Camilla Jessen
Authorities question her father’s account as the investigation deepens.
The search for missing 9-year-old Melina Frattolin ended in heartbreak after her body was discovered near Ticonderoga, New York.
The young girl was reported missing on July 19, 2025, and was initially believed to have been abducted.
Investigators now say there’s no evidence supporting that claim.
Melina’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, called emergency services just before 10 p.m. on that Saturday night, reporting that his daughter had vanished near Exit 22 on I-87 by Lake George. Frattolin, a Canadian entrepreneur, was visiting the area with his daughter.
Law enforcement launched an immediate and large-scale search effort.
According to Newsner, from the beginning, investigators noticed inconsistencies in the timeline Frattolin provided.
As they gathered evidence, officials determined that no abduction had taken place.
Search teams were expanded to include multiple local and state agencies: Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Ticonderoga Police Department, and New York State Police joined the effort.
K9 units and aviation support were brought in to comb the region.
Melina’s Body Found in Ticonderoga
Days later, Melina’s body was discovered during a grid search near Ticonderoga by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer, according to the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of New York State.
PBA President James McCartney released a public statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss:
“The PBA of New York State is extremely saddened to learn of the death of Melina Galanis Frattolin. Our PBA-member New York State Forest Rangers coordinated the search… Our thoughts are also with our member Forest Rangers and ECOs dealing with the grief of this horrific tragedy.”
Officials have stated there is no threat to the public, though they have not ruled out criminal involvement and continue to investigate.
Authorities have not yet named a suspect.
