A Canadian citizen, Luciano Frattolin, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a corpse after his nine-year-old daughter, Melina, was found dead near Ticonderoga, New York. The arrest comes at a critical junction, as Frattolin was due to return custody of Melina to her mother shortly.
The father and daughter traveled from Montreal to New York on July 11, ostensibly for a family vacation. Frattolin, who had been separated from Melina's mother since 2019, was expected to hand over custody to her, who has maintained full custody since their separation.
On the evening of Saturday, Melina reportedly called her mother, indicating their plans to return to Canada. However, later that night, the tragic events unfolded, leading to Melina's death. Initially, Frattolin claimed that Melina went missing while he stopped in the woods near Lake George, New York. He reported a suspicious white van in the vicinity and later modified his story, alleging that two unidentified men abducted Melina.
During a Monday press conference, New York State Police Captain Robert McConnell provided details of the case, stating that Melina's body was discovered in a shallow pond roughly 45 miles from the location Frattolin initially reported her disappearance. The exact cause of death remains undetermined, pending autopsy results.
As the investigation advanced, discrepancies in Frattolin's timeline and statements cast doubt on the abduction narrative. The local authorities, who first responded, quickly transferred the case to the New York State Police due to the multi-location events and the involvement of an out-of-country suspect.
Captain McConnell described the discovery as "devastating" and reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat, suggesting the incident was isolated. Frattolin, who was arraigned and pleaded not guilty in Ticonderoga Town Court, is also recognized as the founder of Gambella, an organic coffee company. He is of Ethiopian and Italian descent and portrays himself as an entrepreneur with a global perspective.
The timing of Melina's death, just before custody transfer, has prompted speculation about motive, though officials have not commented on this aspect. The case has reverberated through communities in New York and Montreal, illuminating the complexities of custody disputes and child welfare.
Investigators continue to compile evidence, while the local populace grapples with grief and concern for children in tumultuous family dynamics.
