Melina Galanis Frattolin Cause Of Death: Investigation Reveals Troubling Discrepancies in Father’s Story

A 9-year-old Canadian girl who was initially reported kidnapped in upstate New York has been found dead, and her father is now in custody as investigators raise doubts about his version of events. The girl, identified as Melina Galanis Frattolin, was discovered deceased on Sunday afternoon in Ticonderoga, New York .

The Investigation and Amber Alert
The location is near the New York-Vermont border, approximately 15 miles from Lake George. Her father, Luciano Frattolin, had originally claimed she had been abducted in that area on Saturday by a man driving a white van. Following the father’s report, the New York State Police issued an Amber Alert on Sunday, initiating a widespread search for the child .

Multiple agencies joined the effort, including New York State Police K-9 and aviation teams, State Park Rangers, the Warren and Essex County Sheriff’s Offices, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Ticonderoga Police Department. The search effort was extensive, with law enforcement officials and volunteers scouring the area for any sign of Melina .

Discrepancies in the Father’s Story
However, as authorities delved deeper into the case, they began to notice troubling discrepancies in the father’s story. According to a statement from the New York State Police, inconsistencies appeared in both his timeline and his account of the alleged abduction. These inconsistencies shifted the focus of the investigation from a suspected kidnapping to a suspicious death .

The New York State Police took over the investigation from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office as the case evolved. Eventually, Melina’s body was located in the Ticonderoga area, tragically confirming that the search had ended in the worst possible outcome .

Arrest and Charges
The girl’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin of Canada, was arrested in connection with her death. He was booked into the Essex County Jail in northern New York late Sunday night. Authorities have not yet released information on the specific charges he faces, nor have they shared details about how Melina died .

The case remains under active investigation, and officials have said additional information will be released when appropriate. For now, the circumstances surrounding Melina’s death are unclear, but officials have emphasized that there was no abduction, despite the initial claim that led to the Amber Alert .

Community Reaction and Investigation Next Steps
Melina’s death has shocked both the local community and those following the story from Canada. The situation is especially tragic given the initial hope that she might be found alive after her father’s report of a kidnapping .

As investigators continue their work, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities are expected to examine all available evidence and potentially conduct further interviews to build a clearer understanding of what led to the young girl’s death. The New York State Police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as they continue to pursue justice for the 9-year-old girl whose life was cut tragically short .

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working diligently to piece together the events surrounding Melina’s death. The community is in shock, and many are struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of a young life.