A tragic incident has occurred involving 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin, a Canadian girl who was found dead on Sunday afternoon in upstate New York. This discovery came just hours after her father reported that she had been kidnapped; however, police later confirmed there was no actual abduction.
Discovery of the Body
Melina’s body was located in Ticonderoga, New York, approximately 30 miles from Lake George, where her father initially claimed she was last seen. Earlier on Sunday, authorities issued an Amber Alert, believing she was in “imminent danger” of harm or death.
Inconsistent Account from the Father
Melina’s father, Luciano Frattolin, 45, contacted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday night at 9:58 PM local time. He reported that his daughter had disappeared and might have been kidnapped. Both Melina and her father are Canadian citizens, according to the New York State Police (NYSP).
Initially, the investigation was managed by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. However, police identified “inconsistencies in the father’s account of events and the timeline he provided,” leading to a transfer of the case to the NYSP. After reviewing the details, the NYSP stated they found “no indication of an abduction.”
Amber Alert Issued and Canceled
Despite the inconsistencies, an Amber Alert was issued on Sunday morning about four hours after Melina was reported missing. The alert, which included her description, was ultimately canceled at 4:18 PM the same day. The alert noted that “the child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, no suspect has been arrested, and the NYSP stated that there is no ongoing danger to the general public. In their official update, authorities confirmed, “There is no present threat to the public.” A press conference is scheduled for Monday to provide further information about Melina’s death and the circumstances that preceded it.
