Missing NY Girl Melina Frattolin Found Dead: Father Luciano Frattolin

The idyllic summer vacation in New York’s Adirondack Mountains turned into a nightmare when 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin was reported abducted—a claim that unraveled into a horrifying patricide case now rocking international borders. Her father, Montreal entrepreneur Luciano Frattolin, faces second-degree murder charges after allegedly fabricating a white-van kidnapping story while concealing his daughter’s body in a Ticonderoga pond. The Luciano Frattolin case exposes chilling details of betrayal, a frantic international search, and a custody arrangement gone tragically wrong.

Luciano Frattolin Charged in Death of 9-Year-Old Melina Frattolin

Luciano Frattolin, 45, sits in Essex County Jail awaiting arraignment for the murder of his daughter Melina. What began as an Amber Alert spanning New York and Quebec on July 20, 2025, collapsed within hours when investigators exposed inconsistencies in Frattolin’s abduction narrative. According to New York State Police, Frattolin called Warren County 911 at 9:58 p.m. on July 19, claiming two men in a white van snatched Melina while he urinated roadside near Lake George. Authorities issued an alert describing Melina—5 feet tall, 100 pounds, wearing a striped shirt and Adidas sneakers—sparking searches across state lines.

By dawn, the operation pivoted from rescue to recovery. Troopers discovered Melina’s body partially submerged under a log in a Ticonderoga pond, just 30 miles from Lake George. Evidence contradicted Frattolin’s account, leading to his arrest. Prosecutors allege Frattolin killed Melina between 6:30 p.m. (when she last spoke to her mother) and his 911 call. With no history of violence or mental illness, the entrepreneur’s rapid transformation from grieving father to prime suspect stunned investigators.

Key developments:

• Frattolin waived extradition from New York to face charges
• Autopsy pending; cause of death undisclosed
• Represented by Essex County Public Defender Jared Cadena

Timeline of Deception: How the Frattolin Case Unfolded

The Luciano Frattolin case hinges on a devastatingly brief window. The family vacation began typically—Melina laughing during a 6:30 p.m. call with her mother in Montreal. Three hours later, Frattolin dialed 911, inventing a white van abduction. New York State Police launched an Amber Alert at midnight, deploying K-9 units and helicopters. By dawn, digital forensics and witness statements dismantled Frattolin’s story.

Investigators retraced Frattolin’s steps to a secluded pond in Ticonderoga, where divers recovered Melina’s body in shallow water. Prosecutors assert Frattolin staged the scene, weighing her down with a log. By afternoon, the Amber Alert shifted to a homicide investigation. Frattolin was arrested without resistance.

Who Is Luciano Frattolin? Coffee Entrepreneur and Accused Killer

The Montreal businessman founded Gambella Coffee, promoting Ethiopian-Italian blends and ethical sourcing. Born to an Ethiopian mother and Italian father, Frattolin cultivated an image as a globe-trotting single dad devoted to Melina. Neighbors described a doting father without signs of aggression. Yet legal documents reveal friction: Melina’s mother held full custody post-2019 divorce, though she permitted U.S. visits, believing Frattolin posed no danger.

Custody Secrets and Legal Consequences

The custody arrangement proved fatal. Though Frattolin lacked legal custody, Melina’s mother permitted summer trips. Essex County DA Michael P. Langey emphasizes this violation as investigators probe whether custody disputes motivated the killing. Frattolin faces 25 years to life if convicted. Canada’s Department of Justice confirms potential extradition proceedings post-arraignment.

Must Know: Critical Questions About the Luciano Frattolin Case

What charges does Luciano Frattolin face?
Frattolin is charged with second-degree murder in New York. Prosecutors allege he intentionally killed Melina and falsified an abduction. The charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Essex County prosecutors are reviewing evidence for potential aggravating factors.

How did police debunk the abduction story?
Digital evidence placed Frattolin near the pond during the alleged abduction time. K-9 units traced Melina’s scent directly to the water, and forensic analysis showed no signs of a struggle or third-party involvement. Troopers confirmed Frattolin’s timeline was physically impossible.

Did Melina’s mother have custody?
Yes. Court records show Melina’s mother retained full custody after the 2019 divorce. Frattolin had visitation rights but required permission for cross-border travel. Authorities are investigating whether custody disagreements triggered the crime.

What’s next legally?
Frattolin awaits indictment in Essex County. New York must prove premeditation for second-degree murder. Canada may pursue separate charges for violating custody orders. Melina’s autopsy results—pending toxicology—could influence sentencing.

How can I report suspected child endangerment?
Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or call 1-800-THE-LOST. For cross-border cases, notify RCMP or Homeland Security.

International Shock as Entrepreneur Faces Murder Charge in Daughter’s Death

The Luciano Frattolin case exposes heartbreaking layers of betrayal—a father exploiting vacation trust to commit unfathomable violence. As forensic teams scour the Ticonderoga pond and prosecutors build their murder case, communities from Montreal to Lake George mourn a vibrant child whose life ended in deception. This tragedy underscores critical lessons: verify custody arrangements rigorously and trust instinct when a child’s safety feels uncertain. If you suspect child abuse or endangerment, act immediately—report concerns to local authorities or contact child protection services. A single call could save a life.