TICONDEROGA, N.Y. — Melina Galanis Frattolin, a 9‑year‑old whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances. Originally reported missing during a family visit to Lake George, New York, her body was found late Sunday in Ticonderoga, prompting an Amber Alert and multi-agency search. The investigation has since shifted into a homicide inquiry, with her father, Luciano Frattolin, arrested in connection with the case.
A Father’s Plea and a Growing Search
On the evening of July 19, 2025, around 9:58 p.m., Luciano Frattolin, a 45‑year‑old Canadian entrepreneur from Montreal, contacted Warren County authorities, claiming his daughter Melina had been kidnapped near Exit 22 of I‑87. A white van reportedly fled southbound, prompting an immediate Amber Alert that warned of her “imminent danger”. In response, over 800 calls poured into dispatch, and K‑9 teams, helicopter units, forest rangers, and environmental conservation officers joined the search.
Discovery in Ticonderoga and Initial Investigations
Early Sunday, search crews located Melina’s body in Ticonderoga — about 30 miles east of Lake George. According to State Police, this was during coordinated operations involving aviation, K‑9, forest rangers, and Essex County Sheriff’s deputies. As investigators pieced together the events, they found inconsistencies in Luciano’s account of when and how Melina disappeared . Within hours, authorities confirmed there was no evidence of abduction, canceled the Amber Alert, and shifted the investigation to a homicide case.
Father Arrested, Investigation Intensifies
In the early hours of July 21, Luciano Frattolin was taken into custody at Essex County Jail in Lewis, New York, booked around 2:04 a.m., and is expected to appear in Ticonderoga Town Court on Monday morning . At the time of this report, formal charges have not been announced, but sources confirm the case is firmly in the realm of homicide.
Remembering Melina: A Life of Promise
Though details of her life remain limited to public record, Melina was described as intelligent, kind-hearted, and deeply cherished by her father. Luciano’s professional biography on the Gambella Coffee website portrays him as a loving parent, calling Melina “the light of his life” and celebrating her curiosity and creativity.
Visiting Lake George and Ticonderoga may have been a special moment for family exploration, though those details remain under investigation. Law enforcement has asked the public to allow space for the ongoing inquiry, assuring there is no public threat related to Melina’s death .
Community Response and Next Steps
The suddenness and severity of Melina’s death have reverberated through both Canadian and U.S. communities. As a cross-border incident, the case underscores the critical coordination between Warren County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, forest rangers, DEC police, and State Police air and K‑9 units.
A formal press conference is expected on Monday, July 21, to provide further updates. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have emphasized the need for patience and cooperation from those with information.
A Life Remembered
In brief, Melina Galanis Frattolin’s life — though tragically short at nine years — illuminated the lives of those around her. Known for her warmth, youthful curiosity, and promise, she stood at the beginning of a journey tragically interrupted. While the world waits for answers, her memory remains a reminder of unconditional love.