Father Charged After Daughter Found Dead in New York Pond

Luciano Frattolin, 45, has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse after

his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, was found dead in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, New York.

The father and daughter, visiting from Montreal, were on vacation. Melina was due to return to her mother’s care on Sunday.

Luciano initially told authorities Melina had been abducted, but his story quickly unraveled. Surveillance footage showed Melina

eating calmly at a restaurant in Saratoga Springs and speaking to her mother by phone Saturday evening. Hours later, Luciano called 911,

claiming she vanished near Lake George. His account included a fabricated white van and kidnappers, which raised red flags.

On Sunday, police discovered Melina’s body under a log in a pond. The autopsy revealed she died from drowning and

ruled the death a homicide. Officials believe she died sometime after her last phone call and before Luciano’s emergency call.

Luciano, a Canadian coffee entrepreneur known for sharing family-centered messages online, pleaded not guilty

and remains in custody. His felony hearing is set for July 25.

Melina’s death has sparked heartbreak and outrage online, with many demanding justice for the young girl whose life ended far too soon.