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A 9-year-old Canadian girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert was found murdered in an upstate New York pond, with her father now facing second-degree murder charges.

According to CBS New York, Luciano Frattolin has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse in connection with the death of his daughter, Melina. The father initially reported his daughter missing and claimed she had been abducted, triggering an Amber Alert.

New York State Police discovered Melina's body in a shallow pond near Ticonderoga following an extensive search operation on Sunday morning. The discovery came after her father made a 911 call Saturday night, claiming his daughter may have been abducted near Exit 22 on I-87.

Father's False Abduction Story Unravels

Luciano Frattolin fabricated an elaborate story about his daughter's disappearance, telling authorities he had stopped to urinate in a wooded area when she vanished. He claimed to have witnessed two men forcing her into a white van that fled southbound.

Police Captain Robert McConnell stated that their investigation proved Frattolin's account of a suspicious white van was completely false. The father's story quickly fell apart as detectives gathered evidence and conducted searches in areas where he had been with his daughter.

Surveillance footage from Saratoga Springs showed Melina with her father around 5:30 p.m., appearing unharmed. The last known contact with Melina was a phone call with her mother at approximately 6:30 p.m., during which she showed no signs of distress.

Vacation Turns Tragic for Canadian Family

The father and daughter had legally entered the United States on July 11 for what was supposed to be a vacation, with plans to return to Montreal on July 20. Their trip included stops in Connecticut and New York City before the tragic events unfolded.

Investigators revealed that Melina lived in Montreal with her mother, who had been estranged from Luciano Frattolin since 2019. The father had no prior criminal record or history of domestic violence, according to police statements. Police believe the murder occurred in the window between Melina's final phone call with her mother and her father's 911 call around 10 p.m. The exact cause of death is pending autopsy results.

International Investigation Continues

Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the motive behind the alleged murder. The case has drawn attention from both U.S. and Canadian authorities due to its cross-border nature.

Luciano Frattolin has entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him. The investigation has expanded to include examination of the family's movements throughout their vacation in the United States.

New York State Police are urging anyone with information about the case to contact their investigators at 518-783-3211. The collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies continues as they piece together the events leading to Melina's death.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Stranger danger is not always the threat. Though the initial report centered on an abduction by unknown individuals, authorities determined this was a false claim. It serves as a reminder that the most serious dangers can sometimes come from people within trusted circles.

2. Pay attention to inconsistencies in reported stories. Frattolin’s explanation of events immediately raised red flags for investigators. Friends, family, and even law enforcement should take note of timelines and reports that don’t align with facts, as early warning signs can save lives.

3. Support structures and communication can be essential. Melina had a scheduled return to her mother and had maintained communication during the trip. Although she had no visible signs of distress during their call, ongoing check-ins should always be encouraged so that concern can be raised if things change. Still, no preventive measure can guarantee safety, and victims should never be blamed.

Why this story matters

This case highlights how quickly a situation can shift from a routine holiday to a criminal investigation. It’s vital for communities to remain vigilant and responsive to missing child reports. The outpouring of public concern and teamwork across state and international lines showed the strength of rapid response systems.

Melina’s death has resonated with families across both the United States and Canada. It underscores the importance of transparency in custodial agreements and the necessity of accountability even when no prior warning signs are apparent. The community will undoubtedly continue to mourn as authorities seek justice. In the meantime, efforts persist to learn from the tragedy and protect other vulnerable children.

Looking back at the full sequence of events

The heartbreaking story of Melina began with a planned summer vacation between a father and daughter. They visited several East Coast states and were nearing the end of their travels when Frattolin falsely reported an abduction. By the following morning, Melina was found dead in a pond in Ticonderoga. Frattolin’s claims unraveled during the investigation, leading to murder and concealment charges. He has entered a not guilty plea, and authorities continue searching for a motive.