45-year-old Montreal man Luciano Frattolin has been arrested. He is currently charged with murder and concealment of a corpse involving the 2021 death of his nine-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin. The heartbreaking accident occurred as the two were vacationing together in upstate New York. Frattolin, who is an attorney, reported Melina missing under suspicious circumstances. He said he lost track of her after emerging from a wooded corridor near a parking area at Lake George.
Frattolin’s story took a much darker turn. He initially gave the story that two Caucasian males took Melina from him, forcing her into a white-colored van. This claim was out of step with all evidence collected through an extensive investigation led by law enforcement. Melina was able to communicate with her mother about an hour after Frattolin filed her as missing. On that call, she acted with no indication of any duress or distress. Investigators were convinced that Frattolin murdered Melina soon after this discussion, just before calling 911.
The complaint states that authorities found Melina’s body wrapped in a blanket and covered with a log. Surveillance footage captured Frattolin and his daughter in Saratoga Springs around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, further complicating his narrative. Even with these disturbing accusations, authorities say Frattolin has no documented criminal or domestic violence background.
To Frattolin, being a “loving father” is the title he wears with the most pride. On his coffee company’s website, he calls Melina “the light of my life.” The duo began their U.S. trip on the 11th, showing just how much they love America. They were scheduled to fly home to Montreal that weekend. Melina was living in Montreal with her mother, who became estranged from Frattolin since 2019.
At his first court appearance on Monday, a not guilty plea was entered for Frattolin. The public defender’s office appointed to his case never returned calls seeking comment about the still pending proceedings. Further, Frattolin has failed to respond to multiple requests for comment sent through LinkedIn, Instagram, and his company website this past weekend.
“During a subsequent interview, he then reports two unknown males forced her into a white van,” – New York State Police Capt. Robert McConnell
