Canadian Girl Melina Frattolin Murdered by Father in New York: Timeline of Tragedy

The serene backdrop of Lake George, New York, became the setting for an unthinkable horror this week, shattering the lives of a Canadian family and sending shockwaves across international borders. Nine-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin, a bright and artistic child from Montreal, was found dead on Sunday, July 21st, 2025, hours after her own father, Luciano Frattolin, reported her kidnapped. Frattolin now faces second-degree murder charges in a case that swiftly unraveled from a frantic Amber Alert to a devastating homicide investigation.

The False Abduction and Heartbreaking Discovery

The sequence of events began on Saturday night, July 20th. Luciano Frattolin, 45, placed a desperate 911 call around 9:58 p.m. He claimed his daughter, Melina, had been abducted by two men in a white van while he had stopped his vehicle along Interstate 87 near Lake George to urinate. This report triggered an immediate Amber Alert, broadcast widely across New York and into neighboring regions, including Canada. Authorities described Melina as being in “imminent danger.”

“9-year-old Melina Frattolin traveled from Canada to Lake George New York for a vacation. Her father Luciano Frattolin falsely reported her being abducted by someone in a white van. Triggering an Amber Alert. It was a lie! She was never abducted. She was found dead in Ticonderoga…” – JLR Investigates, Twitter, July 20, 2025

“A 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin is believed to be in ‘imminent danger’ after police say she was abducted in Lake George, New York, on Saturday night. She was last seen at 9:40 p.m. on I-87.” – Fox News, Twitter, July 20, 2025

However, New York State Police investigators quickly identified inconsistencies in Frattolin’s account. Their meticulous work led them away from the abduction narrative and towards a grim reality. By Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the initial report, searchers discovered Melina’s body concealed under a log in the shallow end of a pond in Ticonderoga, New York, approximately 30 miles north of Lake George. The location contradicted Frattolin’s story entirely.

Arrest and Unraveling the Lie

Luciano Frattolin was arrested immediately following the discovery of his daughter’s body. He was arraigned on Sunday and is currently held without bail at the Essex County Jail, charged with second-degree murder. Police allege Frattolin killed Melina sometime between 6:30 p.m. on Saturday – when she spoke happily to her mother by phone – and his 9:58 p.m. 911 call. The staged abduction, authorities assert, was a calculated attempt to cover up the crime.

“Luciano Frattolin has been arrested on charges related to the disappearance and death of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina. Press conference will be later today.” – Rose, Twitter, July 21, 2025

Frattolin, represented by Jared Cadena of the Essex County Public Defender’s Office after stating he couldn’t afford private counsel, has no prior criminal record or known history of mental health issues or domestic violence, according to initial police statements. Essex County District Attorney Michael P Langey is prosecuting the case. Melina’s official cause of death is pending, with an autopsy scheduled.

Remembering Melina: A Life Cut Short

Melina Galanis Frattolin was more than a victim; she was a vibrant young girl whose life was brutally extinguished. Described by those who knew her as intelligent, artistic, curious, and full of joy, she was a primary school student in Montreal. Her multicultural heritage reflected her father’s background: Luciano Frattolin was born in Ethiopia to an Ethiopian mother and Italian father. Melina embraced this blend of African and European roots.

• Age: 9 years old.
• Residence: Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• Personality: Intelligent, artistic, curious, joyful.
• Family: Parents separated in 2019. Mother held full custody, though she reportedly did not believe her ex-husband posed a danger to their daughter. Melina frequently visited the U.S. with her father.

Ironically, Melina was featured on her father’s company website, described by him as “the light of his life” and a source of inspiration. This stark contrast between his public portrayal and the alleged horrific act deepens the tragedy.

Legal Proceedings and Custody Context

The revelation that Melina’s mother held full custody adds a critical layer to the investigation. While the couple separated in 2019, authorities state the mother had no prior concerns suggesting Frattolin would harm their child, allowing visitation. The circumstances leading to Frattolin’s alleged actions during this specific trip remain a core focus of the ongoing investigation by New York State Police, working in coordination with Canadian authorities.

Frattolin is due back in court in the coming weeks. The Essex County District Attorney’s office has indicated that the investigation is active, with forensic evidence and digital records being meticulously reviewed to build the case. The international nature of the incident involves collaboration between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies.

A Community and Nations Mourn

The murder of Melina Frattolin has evoked profound grief and outrage. The initial Amber Alert mobilized communities in both New York and Quebec, making the betrayal of trust inherent in the father’s alleged actions even more devastating. Vigils are being planned in Montreal as friends, family, and a horrified public seek to honor the memory of a little girl whose potential was stolen. Support services are being offered to Melina’s mother and extended family as they grapple with an unimaginable loss.

Must Know: Key Questions Answered

1. Who was Melina Frattolin and what happened to her?
   Melina Frattolin was a 9-year-old Canadian girl from Montreal. She was murdered on July 20th, 2025, during a trip to Lake George, New York. Her father, Luciano Frattolin, initially reported her kidnapped but was arrested and charged with her murder after her body was discovered concealed in a Ticonderoga pond.
2. What charges does Luciano Frattolin face?
   Luciano Frattolin has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his daughter, Melina. He is currently held without bail in Essex County Jail, New York.
3. Was there an Amber Alert issued for Melina?
   Yes, an Amber Alert was activated in New York State in the early hours of Sunday, July 21st, based on Luciano Frattolin’s false report of abduction. The alert was canceled after Melina’s body was found and her father was arrested.
4. Did Melina’s mother have custody?
   Yes. According to New York State Police, Melina’s mother held full custody following the parents’ separation in 2019. She reportedly did not believe her ex-husband posed a danger to Melina, allowing visitation.
5. Where was Melina Frattolin found?
   Melina’s body was discovered on the afternoon of Sunday, July 21st, in a pond in Ticonderoga, New York. Police stated her body was concealed under a log in the shallow water.
6. What is the current status of the case?
   The investigation by New York State Police, potentially with Canadian authorities, is ongoing. Luciano Frattolin has been arraigned on a second-degree murder charge. An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, and Frattolin awaits further court proceedings.

The brutal murder of Melina Frattolin by her own father stands as a profound betrayal and a devastating loss. From the frantic search sparked by a false Amber Alert to the chilling discovery in a Ticonderoga pond, this case underscores the importance of thorough investigation and the shattering impact of familial violence. As the legal process unfolds against Luciano Frattolin, the memory of Melina – the bright, artistic girl described as the “light of his life” – demands justice and serves as a somber reminder. Support resources for those experiencing domestic violence or crisis are available; if you or someone you know needs help, reach out to national or local helplines immediately.