Authorities have confirmed that 9-year-old Melina Frattolin died from “asphyxia due to drowning,” according to a preliminary autopsy conducted at Glens Falls Hospital. The young girl from Montreal was found dead under a log in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, New York, on Sunday afternoon — less than a day after her father reported her missing.
Father Faces Charges as Timeline Comes Into Focus
Melina’s father, Luciano Frattolin, told police Saturday night that his daughter had been abducted by two men in a white van while he briefly left their car — a 2024 gray Toyota Prius — near Exit 22 of I-87. His story quickly came under scrutiny.
On Tuesday, New York State Police released photos of the Prius and asked for public assistance in mapping Frattolin’s movements between Exits 28 and 20 of the I-87 Northway on Saturday evening.
Investigation Continues
As of now, Frattolin is facing murder charges in what authorities believe was a deliberate act. The family’s custody disputes and communication breakdowns have added painful context to this devastating case.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to piece together the final hours of Melina’s life.