Father Charged in Death of 9-Year-Old Daughter After Body Found in New York Pond
Luciano Frattolin faces murder charges for his 9-year-old daughter, Melina, whose body was found in a New York pond after an Amber Alert.
Overview
- Luciano Frattolin has been charged with the murder of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, and concealing her corpse in New York.
- Authorities in New York initiated an Amber Alert to locate the missing 9-year-old girl, prompting a widespread search effort across the region.
- Investigators later discovered the body of 9-year-old Melina Frattolin in a pond located north of Lake George, confirming the tragic outcome.
- The discovery of Melina's body led directly to the arrest and charging of her father, Luciano Frattolin, in connection with her death.
- The case involves a father accused of a heinous crime against his child, highlighting the swift response of law enforcement in New York.
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Analysis
The reporting appears neutral and objective by focusing on factual accounts from law enforcement regarding the arrest and charges. It avoids loaded language or emotional appeals, presenting information chronologically. Attempts to contact the accused's legal representation and personal accounts are noted, demonstrating an effort to provide a balanced, albeit incomplete, picture.
"Authorities said over the weekend that there were inconsistencies in the father’s account, and that they concluded there was no evidence she had been taken."
Associated Press"Melina Frattolin was found dead in Upstate New York on July 20 after Luciano Frattolin reported her abducted the previous night, NYSP said in a release."
USA TODAYArticles (3)
FAQ
Luciano Frattolin was officially charged with murder in the second degree and concealment of a human corpse, both felonies under New York law[4]. Murder in the second degree is a class 'A' felony, and concealment of a human corpse is a class 'E' felony[4].
Authorities found inconsistencies in Luciano Frattolin's statements and concluded there was no abduction; he had allegedly murdered his daughter and left her body in a remote area before reporting her missing[1]. The investigation revealed no evidence supporting his claim of a suspicious van or abduction, leading to his arrest for falsifying the report[1].
Luciano Frattolin had been estranged from Melina's mother, who had full-time custody of the child, but he was authorized to travel alone with Melina for a planned vacation[1][3]. There is no public information indicating a recent custody dispute; the trip itself was described as prearranged and permitted[3].
New York State Police, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and State Forest Rangers conducted a coordinated, large-scale search involving multiple agencies and fielding over 800 public tips[2][4]. The body was eventually discovered by a Department of Environmental Conservation officer during a grid search in Ticonderoga[2].
The case triggered an Amber Alert, prompting extensive media coverage and public attention, with authorities receiving a high volume of calls from the community[2]. The shocking nature of the crime, involving a father accused of killing his own child, drew significant regional and national news attention.
History
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