Father Charged with Murder After 9-Year-Old Melina Frattolin Found Dead in New York. Luciano Frattolin, 45, has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse following the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin. Melina was reported missing on July 19, 2025, after Luciano said she disappeared near Exit 22 on the Northway in Lake George, New York, while he briefly stepped away.

He initially claimed a possible abduction by two unidentified men in a white van, prompting an AMBER Alert. However, inconsistencies in his story raised suspicion among authorities. On July 20, Melina’s body was found submerged in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga during an extensive search involving police, K9 units, and aviation teams.

The preliminary autopsy confirmed she died from drowning, and the death was ruled a homicide. Surveillance footage showed Melina and Luciano together at a restaurant hours before her disappearance, and during a final phone call to her mother, Melina appeared calm and healthy.

Luciano and Melina had legally entered the U.S. on July 11 for a summer vacation. Melina was scheduled to return to her mother’s custody on July 20. Authorities now believe Luciano murdered Melina and fabricated the abduction story. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and is currently held at Essex County Jail awaiting a felony hearing.

The tragic case has sparked grief and outrage in the community and on social media.

Investigations continue, and officials urge anyone with information to come forward. Despite the heartbreak, authorities say there is no threat to the public at this time.