A 9-year-old girl, Melina Frattolin, whose disappearance prompted a statewide Amber Alert in New York, has been found dead in Ticonderoga, NY. Authorities initially believed she had been abducted, but inconsistencies in her father’s account of events led to a shift in the investigation.
The Initial Disappearance and Amber Alert
On the night of July 19, 2025, Luciano Frattolin, the 45-year-old father of Melina, contacted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) around 9:58 p.m. to report his daughter missing.
Following his call, an Amber Alert was issued, with police suggesting that Melina may have been in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. The alert described her as last being seen in a white van near Lake George, NY, heading southbound on Interstate 87.
The alert quickly garnered national attention, and authorities sought the public’s help in locating the missing girl. Descriptions of Melina, who was said to be of Indian descent with brown hair and eyes, were shared in the hopes of finding her quickly.
Discrepancies in the Father’s Account
As the investigation progressed, the WCSO discovered inconsistencies in the timeline and details provided by Luciano Frattolin. These inconsistencies led authorities to reevaluate the circumstances surrounding Melina’s disappearance.
After conducting a more thorough investigation with help from various agencies, police located Melina’s body in Ticonderoga, NY, just hours after the Amber Alert was issued. The investigation was later handed over to the New York State Police due to jurisdictional concerns.
State police later confirmed that there were no signs of an abduction, and no public threat was believed to be present. The Amber Alert was canceled at 4:18 p.m. on July 20.
The Discovery and Ongoing Investigation
At this time, the cause of death for Melina has not been officially revealed, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing. The shift from a child abduction investigation to a possible homicide raises significant questions, especially given the inconsistencies found in the father’s statements.
The case has left many in shock, especially as it highlights the difficulty in cases where initial reports may not fully align with evidence found during an investigation.
What We Know So Far
Melina Frattolin and her father were reportedly Canadian residents, and the investigation remains ongoing. The Amber Alert, which is only activated in cases of serious child abduction, was a pivotal part of the initial search for the girl, but it was later canceled once the situation became clearer.
This case has sparked concerns and confusion due to the rapid development of events, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. The focus is now on determining the truth behind Melina’s tragic death and what role, if any, her father may have had in her disappearance.
