Montreal Father Charged with Murder in Death of 9-Year-Old Daughter Found in Ticonderoga Pond
Luciano Frattolin, 45, of Montreal, has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse in connection with the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin. Melina's body was discovered on Sunday in a pond in Ticonderoga, approximately 30 miles north of Lake George. The charges were announced on Monday following an investigation into a missing person report filed by Frattolin on Saturday evening.
Discovery of Melina Frattolin's Body and Cancellation of Amber Alert
On Sunday, New York State Forest Rangers located Melina Frattolin's body in the shallow water of a pond in Ticonderoga. According to the criminal complaint, her body was concealed under a log. The discovery led to the cancellation of an Amber Alert that had been issued overnight after Luciano Frattolin reported his daughter missing.
The Amber Alert was canceled as inconsistencies in Frattolin's account emerged and police determined there was no evidence of an abduction, as he had initially claimed.
Details of the Initial Missing Person Report and Investigation
On Saturday around 10:00 p.m., Luciano Frattolin contacted 911 from Warren County, alleging that his daughter had been abducted near Exit 22 of I-87 in Lake George. He claimed that two unknown males in a white van were involved. Law enforcement thoroughly investigated this lead, ultimately disproving Frattolin's account.
Prior to the 911 call, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, surveillance video captured Melina and her father in Saratoga Springs, NY. At around 6:30 p.m., Melina spoke with her mother on the phone, and she did not appear to be under duress or in poor health. Investigators believe that Frattolin killed Melina sometime after this phone call and before he contacted 911.
Legal Proceedings and Autopsy Scheduled
Luciano Frattolin was arraigned in Ticonderoga Town Court on Monday, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. New York State Police Captain Robert McConnell held a press conference confirming the charges against Frattolin and providing details of the ongoing investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Melina Frattolin to determine the exact cause of death.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Arrest
The events leading to Luciano Frattolin's arrest unfolded as follows:
- July 11, 2025: Luciano Frattolin and Melina legally entered the United States from Montreal, Quebec, for a vacation.
- July 19, 2025 (approx. 5:30 PM ET): Melina and her father were seen on video surveillance in Saratoga Springs, NY.
- July 19, 2025 (approx. 6:30 PM ET): Melina spoke to her mother on the phone, appearing to be in good health and not under duress.
- July 19, 2025 (approx. 10:00 PM ET): Luciano Frattolin called 911, reporting his daughter missing and alleging an abduction.
- July 20, 2025 (approx. 1:50 PM ET): Melina Frattolin's body was found in a pond in Ticonderoga.
- July 21, 2025: Luciano Frattolin was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.
Background of the Victim and the Accused
Melina Frattolin, the 9-year-old victim, resided full-time with her mother in Montreal, Quebec. Luciano Frattolin, 45, is Melina's father and also a resident of Montreal. He and Melina's mother have been estranged since 2019, and Melina's mother had full custody of their daughter.
Statements from Authorities and Key Evidence
New York State Police Captain Robert McConnell stated that inconsistencies were found in Frattolin's account, and the reported abduction involving a white van was "thoroughly investigated and disproven." He added, "The investigation has determined that sometime after Melina's phone call with her mother and before Mr. Frattolin's 911 call, he allegedly murdered Melina and left her body in a remote area, where she was later discovered by law enforcement." McConnell described the case as "certainly a difficult case and a heartbreaking investigation."
The criminal complaint alleges that Frattolin concealed Melina's body by "positioning her under a log in a waterway" and that the girl was killed between 7:40 p.m. and 9:12 p.m. on Saturday.
Police reports indicate that Frattolin has no history of domestic violence or criminal behavior, and no known history of mental health issues.
Public Reaction and Potential Legal Consequences
The fabricated abduction story by Luciano Frattolin and the initial Amber Alert caused significant public concern and diverted law enforcement resources. The death of Melina Frattolin has elicited widespread shock and sorrow, particularly given the charges against her father.
Luciano Frattolin faces serious charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse, which carry substantial prison sentences if he is convicted. The case will proceed through the court system, involving further investigation, a trial, and sentencing.
