The New York State Police report that an autopsy performed at Glens Falls Hospital determined the cause of death for 9-year-old Melina Frattolin as asphyxia due to drowning. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide. Final autopsy results are pending further lab testing.
Melina’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin of Montreal, Quebec, was arrested on Monday and charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.
The investigation began after Warren County 911 received a call on Saturday reporting Melina missing with a possible abduction near Exit 22 of Interstate-87 Northway in Lake George, NY. State Police and Warren County Sheriff’s Office launched a search, which led to the discovery of Melina’s body on July 20th in shallow water in Ticonderoga.
Authorities say Melina and her father legally entered the U.S. on July 11th for vacation and were expected to return to Canada on July 19th. Surveillance video shows Melina with her father in Saratoga Springs at 5:30 p.m. on July 19th, and a phone call with her mother at 6:30 p.m. during which she showed no signs of distress.
The timeline indicates Melina’s death occurred sometime after the phone call and before her father’s 911 call later that evening. Investigators found no evidence supporting claims of an abduction involving a suspicious white van.
The New York State Police are asking the public to help gather any video or eyewitness information about a 2024 gray Toyota Prius used by the pair. Authorities seek details specifically from the I-87 Northway area between Exits 28 and 20 during the evening hours of July 19th. The Photos below are of the actual vehicle. Anyone with information is urged to call 518-873-2750 or email [email protected].
This investigation remains ongoing.
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