Luciano Frattolin, a 45-year-old resident of Montreal, has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse following the tragic death of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin. Authorities discovered Melina’s body in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, New York, just a day after her father reported her missing. He was arrested and arraigned on Monday, pleading not guilty to all charges.
Luciano initially called 911 late Saturday, claiming Melina had been abducted near Lake George. An AMBER Alert was issued based on his account of a white van fleeing the scene. However, as the investigation progressed, police found inconsistencies in his statements. He later gave a different version, saying two men had taken her—both scenarios were later proven to be false.
Surveillance footage showed Melina at a Saratoga Springs restaurant earlier that evening, appearing well and in good spirits. She also spoke to her mother by phone around that time. Investigators believe the incident occurred shortly after that conversation. Melina had entered the U.S. with her father on July 11 for a vacation and was scheduled to return to her mother the following day. An autopsy is underway, but the official cause of death has not yet been released.
Authorities noted that Luciano had no prior criminal record or reported history of domestic issues. A felony hearing has been scheduled for July 25. The case has sparked public grief and concern, as many who followed the story called for a full investigation and justice. Luciano, known publicly as the founder of Gambella Coffee, often spoke about family values and described Melina as his “guiding light.”