Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death for Missing Child Murdered by Father

Authorities have released the preliminary autopsy findings for 9-year-old Melina Frattolin who was discovered deceased on Sunday in Ticonderoga, New York, following an earlier report of abduction near Lake George.

The New York State Police confirmed the results of the autopsy, which indicated that Melina's death was a homicide caused by asphyxia due to drowning.

The case began when Melina’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, contacted 911 reporting that his daughter had disappeared and may have been abducted near Exit 22 of I-87 in Lake George.

He claimed she was last seen in a white van traveling south on the Northway. Investigators later uncovered inconsistencies in his statements and the provided timeline, prompting further investigation.

By Sunday night, police located Melina’s body in a wooded area of Ticonderoga.

Following the discovery, Frattolin was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. According to court filings, he allegedly hid his daughter’s body beneath a log in a shallow section of a pond.

He has pleaded not guilty.

As part of the ongoing investigation, New York State Police are seeking information about the movements of a 2024 gray Toyota Prius, which the father and daughter were believed to have traveled in between July 11th and July 19th.

Authorities are requesting surveillance footage or eyewitness reports from the area along I-87 Northway, between Exits 28 (North Schroon Lake: US 9, NY 74 to Ticonderoga) and Exit 20 (Fort Ann, Queensbury, Lake George, NY 149 & US 9).

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact investigators at (518) 873-2750 or by email at crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death for Missing Child Murdered by Father