A 9-year-old Canadian girl, Melina Galanis Frattolin, was found dead Sunday afternoon in Ticonderoga, New York, just hours after her father reported her missing in what police now say was a false kidnapping report.
Melina’s body was discovered roughly 30 miles from Lake George, where her father, Luciano Frattolin, 45, initially claimed she had disappeared Saturday night.
The case triggered an Amber Alert early Sunday morning, warning the public that Melina was in “imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.” That alert was later canceled at 4:18 p.m. when her body was found.
Father’s Story Raises Red Flags
Frattolin, a Canadian citizen like his daughter, first contacted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) around 9:58 p.m. Saturday, claiming Melina had possibly been abducted.
However, as law enforcement began reviewing his account, “inconsistencies” emerged in the timeline and details he provided, according to the New York State Police (NYSP).
The NYSP later took over the investigation due to jurisdictional concerns, and soon determined there was no evidence of an actual abduction.
Despite the kidnapping claim, the child’s death is confirmed, and authorities are now working to determine how and why she died.
No Arrest Yet, No Threat to Public
As of Sunday night, no suspects have been identified or arrested. Police also stated there is “no threat to the public.”
The NYSP will hold a media briefing on Monday to address the investigation into Melina’s disappearance and death.
Unanswered Questions
The circumstances surrounding Melina’s death remain unclear, but the fact that a false kidnapping report preceded the tragic discovery has raised questions about the father’s involvement and what really happened in the hours between his call and her death.
Law enforcement officials have not confirmed whether Frattolin is a person of interest, but the case is now under active investigation.
