Father Arrested for the Murder of His 9-Year-Old Daughter After Reporting Her Kidnapping
The recent discovery of Melina Frattolin, a 9-year-old girl found deceased in upstate New York, has led to significant developments in a case that initially began with a report of her kidnapping. Luciano Frattolin, the girl’s father, was apprehended early Monday morning and is currently being held at the Essex County Jail in Lewis, New York. Specific charges have yet to be disclosed, but updates from law enforcement are anticipated.
On Saturday night at 9:58 p.m., Luciano Frattolin reported that his daughter had been abducted near Exit 22 of Interstate 87 in Lake George. According to statements from the New York State Police, he claimed that she was last seen around 9:40 p.m. being taken in a white van traveling southbound. Both he and his daughter were identified as Canadian residents, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.
In response to the initial report, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office quickly issued an Amber Alert, categorizing the situation as one in which the girl was in “imminent danger.” However, as investigators began to delve deeper into the details of the case, they uncovered discrepancies within the father’s narrative and the timeline he provided.
A comprehensive search operation was launched, involving multiple agencies, K9 units, and aviation support. Tragically, Melina’s body was discovered the following day, on Sunday, in Ticonderoga, approximately 30 miles east of Lake George and near the Vermont border. This location was significantly distant from where the alleged abduction took place, leading to the cancellation of the Amber Alert and the reclassification of the case to a homicide investigation.
Authorities have indicated that, at this stage, there is no evidence to support the occurrence of an abduction, nor is there any lingering threat to the community. The investigation has transitioned to focus on determining the circumstances surrounding Melina’s death and the potential involvement of her father.
The case remains under the scrutiny of state police, who have pledged to provide further updates as information becomes available. The community is left mourning the loss of a young life, while investigating authorities work diligently to uncover the truth behind this troubling incident.
This tragic event serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the critical importance of thorough investigation in such dire circumstances.
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