Authorities have confirmed that 9-year-old Canadian girl Melina Galanis Frattolin was drowned and her death has been ruled a homicide. The New York State Police reported that Dr. Michael Sikirica performed an autopsy at Glens Falls Hospital on July 21, which showed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning, and the manner of death was classified as a homicide. The incident has shocked local communities and raised concerns about child safety and parental responsibility.
Melina’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, is facing charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse after reportedly fabricating a story of his daughter’s kidnapping. According to investigators, Melina and her father crossed into the U.S. from Canada on July 11 for what was supposed to be a vacation. Surveillance footage showed the pair in Saratoga Springs around 5:30 p.m. on July 19, and Melina spoke to her mother by phone an hour later. However, by 9:58 p.m., Frattolin called 911 from Lake George, claiming his daughter had been abducted. Less than 16 hours later, Melina’s body was discovered in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, around 30 miles away.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. No evidence has been found to support Frattolin’s claims of an abduction involving a suspicious van. Law enforcement agencies from New York, Canada, and the FBI have joined the investigation. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Frattolin’s Public Defender have not yet responded to requests for further comment. The case has led to calls for increased public awareness and safety measures for children, particularly when traveling internationally. Authorities are also urging the public to submit tips, video, or dashcam footage showing the 2024 gray Toyota Prius the father and daughter traveled in between July 11 and July 19, particularly along I-87 Northway exits 28 to 20 during the evening of July 19.
This tragic incident has sparked a wave of discussions about the importance of parental responsibility, the potential for false kidnapping reports, and the role of law enforcement in such cases. The emotional impact on families and communities has been profound, with many expressing their condolences and demanding transparency in the investigation. As the case continues to unfold, it remains a significant point of public interest and concern.