Nationwide — Melina Frattolin, a 9-year-old girl who was found dead in upstate New York, died from drowning, authorities said. Her father now faces murder charges, accused of killing her and hiding her body.
According to People, Melina’s cause of death was revealed after a preliminary autopsy showed she died of asphyxia due to drowning. Her death was ruled a homicide, though final results are pending further lab tests, police said.
The young girl was reported missing by her father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, on the night of July 19. He claimed his daughter had been kidnapped during their vacation in Lake George, New York. An Amber Alert was issued soon after. Hours later, police found Melina’s body in Ticonderoga.
Investigators said they discovered inconsistencies in Luciano’s account and found no evidence of a kidnapping. On July 21, he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. He has pleaded not guilty.
According to police, Melina’s mother had full custody of her. The parents had been separated for several years. Luciano and Melina had traveled together from Montreal, Canada, for their vacation.
Authorities are asking the public for help in the case. They are looking for any video footage or eyewitness reports involving a silver car used by the father and daughter between July 11 and 19 along Interstate 87.
The investigation remains active as officials continue to gather evidence.