Man Accused of Killing 9-Year-Old Daughter in Upstate New York

Luciano Frattolin, aged 45, is suspected of murdering his young daughter, Melina, in a remote wooded area in upstate New York. Authorities allege that after the incident, he concealed her body under a fallen log in a nearby pond.

Frattolin was taken into custody following his report of a false kidnapping, claiming two men in a white van abducted Melina. This led to an Amber Alert being issued. However, police later determined that Melina was not kidnapped; her body was found hours later with no evidence suggesting abduction.

According to law enforcement, Frattolin initially told authorities that he left his vehicle, and when he returned, his daughter was missing. He reported a suspicious white vehicle nearby and two male suspects, but these claims were thoroughly investigated and dismissed.

Surveillance footage shows Melina last seen alive at a restaurant with her father around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. She was killed between 7:40 p.m. and 9:12 p.m., with her body discovered later in Ticonderoga.

The family, originally from Montreal, was on vacation in the Lake George area when the tragedy occurred. Melina’s death has raised questions and concerns in the community as authorities investigate the case further.

Earlier claims by Frattolin that Melina had been kidnapped are now considered false, and police have indicated that his actions and subsequent reports were part of a deception.