Canadian Girl Found Dead in New York — Father Arrested After False Abduction Claim

TICONDEROGA, New York — Shock and heartbreak gripped communities in Canada and New York on Sunday after the body of a missing 9-year-old Canadian girl, Melina Galanis Frattolin, was discovered in a wooded area near Ticonderoga — just hours after her father reported her kidnapped from a Lake George vacation spot.

According to U.S. authorities, Melina’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, called police late Saturday evening, claiming his daughter had been abducted during their family trip to Lake George, a popular summer destination.

An Amber Alert was swiftly issued in the early hours of Sunday morning, warning that the child was in “imminent danger.”

However, the search took a grim turn when state troopers found the little girl’s lifeless body around midday Sunday, about 30 miles from where she was last seen.

 Father in Custody

Police have since arrested Luciano Frattolin, alleging that his account of the abduction was false and misleading. Authorities say his timeline of events “did not add up” and that there was no evidence of a stranger abduction.

The investigation has now shifted focus to what police are calling a homicide inquiry, with Frattolin as the primary suspect.

 A Community in Mourning

Neighbors and loved ones back in Canada are devastated, describing Melina as a bright, cheerful child who loved the outdoors and animals. Vigils are being planned in her hometown, and the Canadian consulate in New York is assisting the family.

Officials say the public is not in danger and have promised further updates as the investigation continues.