9-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Upstate New York After False Abduction Report

A young girl from Canada was discovered deceased in Ticonderoga, New York, shortly after her father reported her missing in what appeared to be a false kidnapping alarm.

Melina Galanis Frattolin, 9 years old, was located in Ticonderoga, about 30 miles from Lake George, where her father initially claimed she was last seen. Authorities had issued an Amber Alert citing her as being in immediate danger, but later investigations revealed no actual abduction had occurred.

According to police, Melina’s father, Luciano Frattolin, contacted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office late Saturday night, raising concerns about her disappearance and possible kidnapping. However, discrepancies in his account prompted authorities to transfer the case to state police for further inquiry.

Images show Melina’s photo and her in a missing child alert, which was issued around four hours after her disappearance was reported and canceled later that afternoon.

Authorities confirmed there was no evidence of abduction, and the incident was classified as a false alarm. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been disclosed, and the suspect involved remains unknown. At present, law enforcement reports no ongoing threat to the public.

Officials announced plans to hold a media briefing on Melina’s case, her death, and the investigation on Monday.