Tragedy struck when 9-year-old Melina Frattolin was found dead in a pond in Ticonderoga, New York, just one day after her father reported her missing. Authorities have now charged her father, Luciano Frattolin, 45, with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.
Luciano claimed Melina was kidnapped near Lake George. He said a white van had taken her, but police later found his story was false. Surveillance video and a phone call Melina made to her mother showed no signs of trouble. Hours later, her body was found hidden under a log in a shallow pond.
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of death.
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) July 21, 2025
Melina Frattolin, 9, was found deceased in Ticonderoga, New York, less than 24 hours after her father, Luciano Frattolin, 45, claimed she had been abducted in a white van from the Lake George area. New York State… pic.twitter.com/jvtIqqBSUI
“The investigation shows that between her call and his 911 report, he murdered Melina,” said Troop G Captain Robert McConnell. Melina and her father were visiting from Montreal and were due to return home that day.
Luciano, known as a coffee entrepreneur, had no prior criminal record. His court hearing is scheduled for July 25. As the case unfolds, people online and across the community continue to grieve and demand justice for little Melina.
Rest in peace, sweet angel.
