A preliminary autopsy has determined that 9-year-old Melina Frattolin died from asphyxia due to drowning, and her death has been ruled a homicide, according to New York State Police.

As reported by PEOPLE, Melina was found dead on Sunday, July 20, in Ticonderoga, New York, after her father, Luciano Frattolin, falsely reported her missing during a vacation from Montreal, Canada. Authorities have since charged Luciano with her murder and concealment of a corpse.

The autopsy, conducted by Dr. Michael Sikirica on Monday, July 21, revealed the cause of death, though further laboratory testing is pending. Police allege that Luciano killed his daughter and disposed of her body in a remote area, contradicting his initial claims of abduction.

Amber Alert issued before discovery

Melina was reported missing by her father on the night of Saturday, July 19. Luciano claimed that he believed his daughter had been kidnapped, prompting officials to issue an Amber Alert. However, hours later, Melina’s body was discovered in Ticonderoga, a small town in upstate New York.

During their investigation, authorities identified inconsistencies in Luciano’s account of events and the timeline he provided. State police determined that there was no evidence to support his claims of an abduction. This led to Luciano’s arrest on Monday, July 21, on charges of murder and concealment of a corpse.

The father and daughter had been vacationing in the Lake George area of New York, a popular tourist destination. Luciano has pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to the Associated Press.

Custody and family background

State police revealed that Luciano and Melina’s mother had been separated for several years. Melina’s mother, who resides in Montreal, retained custody of the child. The circumstances surrounding the father’s time with Melina during the vacation remain under investigation.

Authorities are now seeking additional evidence to piece together the events leading up to Melina’s death. They have requested the public’s help in providing video footage or eyewitness accounts of the silver car Luciano and Melina traveled in between July 11 and July 19 along Interstate 87.

The New York State Police have urged anyone with information to contact them at 518-873-2750 or via email. This appeal underscores the ongoing efforts to gather critical details in the case.

Legal proceedings and ongoing investigation

Luciano Frattolin is currently in custody at the Essex County Jail. As the investigation continues, law enforcement is working to establish a comprehensive timeline and motive for the alleged crime. The case has drawn significant public attention, with many expressing shock and grief over the tragic loss of the young girl.

The final autopsy report, which will include additional laboratory findings, is expected to provide further clarity. Meanwhile, prosecutors are preparing for court proceedings, where they will present evidence against Luciano. His plea of not guilty sets the stage for what could be a lengthy legal battle.

The case has also sparked discussions about child safety and the importance of vigilance in custody arrangements. Advocacy groups have highlighted the need for improved measures to protect children in potentially volatile family situations.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Remain vigilant while traveling, even with familiar individuals. Melina’s case tragically demonstrates that dangers can come from within trusted circles. Parents and guardians must remain cautious in all custody exchanges, no matter how routine they may seem.

2. Trust but verify reported child abductions. While the timely issuing of Amber Alerts is crucial, it’s equally important that authorities verify the circumstances thoroughly. Community members should always report anything suspicious without hesitation, no matter how small it may seem.

3. Despite our best efforts, crime can happen to anyone. It's vital to understand that violence is never the victim's fault. Though we can learn from tragedies, no set of preventative steps guarantees safety, and blame should never rest on those harmed.

Why This Story Matters

This heartbreaking case has stirred concern in both New York and Canada. It underscores the vulnerability of children, even when in the care of a parent. Additionally, it highlights the importance of rigorous law enforcement work in uncovering the truth when initial reports may mislead investigations. When stories like this come to light, they remind communities to remain watchful but also compassionate in supporting those impacted by similar traumas.

Conclusion

Melina Frattolin, a 9-year-old visitor from Montreal, was reported missing by her father while vacationing in Lake George, leading to an Amber Alert. Her body was discovered on July 20 in Ticonderoga, and a preliminary autopsy determined that she died from drowning. Her father, Luciano Frattolin, has been charged with murder after authorities challenged his version of events and ruled the death a homicide. Investigators continue to seek the public’s help in tracking the suspect’s movements in a silver vehicle before the tragedy. The case remains active as authorities await full autopsy results and proceed with legal action.