A tragic incident unfolded in upstate New York on Sunday when a 9-year-old Canadian girl was found dead, hours after her father reported her missing and possibly kidnapped. The body of Melina Galanis Frattolin was discovered in Ticonderoga, New York, approximately 30 miles from Lake George, the location her father had indicated as her last known whereabouts.
Earlier on Sunday, an Amber Alert had been issued by the New York State Police, citing the young girl’s “imminent danger” of harm or death. However, as the investigation unfolded, authorities found no evidence of an actual abduction.
The girl’s father, Luciano Frattolin, 45, had contacted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office late Saturday night to report his daughter’s disappearance, suggesting a potential kidnapping. Both father and daughter are residents of Canada, according to the New York State Police.
As the sheriff’s office spearheaded the investigation, they noted discrepancies in the father’s narrative and the timeline he provided. This led to the state police taking over the investigation due to jurisdictional considerations.
The state police issued an Amber Alert for Melina approximately four hours after her reported disappearance, along with a detailed description. The alert was called off at 4:18 p.m. on Sunday. The alert had stated that the child was believed to be in imminent danger of serious harm or death.
The specifics of the alleged abduction were not immediately disclosed, and the suspect was listed as “unknown” in the police statement. No suspect has been identified or arrested, but the state police have assured the public that there is no current threat.
The state police are expected to hold a media event on Monday to provide further details about Melina’s death and disappearance.