We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Whether you're dreaming of launching your own business, diving into the world of artificial intelligence, or picking up a new hobby,...
Melina Frattolin: 9-Year-Old Girl Killed By Her Father Luciano Frattolin. Luciano Frattolin, a Canadian father, has been charged with killing his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, with second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of a corpse during a summer visit to upstate New York.
Melina Frattolin: 9-Year-Old Girl Killed By Her Father Luciano Frattolin
Luciano Frattolin, 45, born in Ethiopia, owner of Montreal’s Gambella Coffee in Quebec.
Local reports says Frattolin faced severe financial problems, including large debts and possible unpaid child support.
On his company website for his Montreal-based Gambella Coffee business, Frattolin described Melina as his “beautiful” daughter and “the light of his life.” But he also shared that he struggled with rigid habits and had difficulty accepting his daughter’s “messy art projects” and “chaotic toys” due to his obsession with order and cleanliness.
Luciano Frattolin allegedly murdered his daughter Melina Frattolin and hid her body under a log in a remote pond near Ticonderoga, on the northern edge of Lake George. Her body was discovered on Sunday afternoon.
Frattolin has been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of a corpse. Police say he initially tried to mislead investigators by filing a false report claiming that Melina had been abducted by two men in a white van near Exit 22 on I-87 in Lake George on Saturday night, triggering an Amber Alert.
According to New York State Police Capt. Robert McConnell, Frattolin claimed he had stopped in a parking lot to relieve himself and returned to find his daughter missing, saying he saw a suspicious vehicle with two men inside. Investigators later found no evidence to support this story.
The tragic case took another disturbing turn when police revealed that Frattolin — known for being obsessively tidy — admitted he often struggled to cope with his daughter’s “messy art” and “chaotic” toys.
Melina and her father had been visiting Lake George for a vacation about 30 miles from where her body was found. The family lives in Quebec.
Luciano Frattolin is being held at the Essex County Jail. Essex County Sheriff’s Office
A map of where Melina Frattolin was found dead in upstate New York. Merrill Sherman / NY Post Design
Little Melina even sounded fine when she made a phone call to her mom around 6:30 p.m., WNYT13
Police issued an Amber Alert for Melina around four hours after she was reported missing. New York State Police
Dad Luciano Frattolin was arrested and charged with his daughter’s murder. Instagram/Luciano Frattolin
According to police, 9-year-old Melina Frattolin was last seen alive on surveillance footage with her father at a restaurant in Saratoga Springs around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Investigators believe she was killed later that evening, sometime between 7:40 p.m. and 9:12 p.m., according to a criminal complaint.
He was arrested and booked into Essex County Jail around 2 a.m. Monday.
He was later brought to Ticonderoga Town Court for arraignment, appearing disheveled in a white Tyvek suit and disposable boots, with his hands cuffed behind his back. Frattolin did not answer questions from reporters and only spoke in court to correct his address and say he couldn’t afford an attorney — despite presenting an image of wealth and luxury online.
A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf, according to the Times Union.
Frattolin and Melina had been in the U.S. since July 11 as part of a custody visit arranged with his ex-wife, whom he separated from in 2019. The pair had traveled through Connecticut and New York during their trip.
Melina reportedly sounded normal and in good spirits when she spoke to her mother by phone around 6:30 p.m. Saturday — shortly before she and her father were supposed to fly home to Quebec.
Melina Galanis Frattolin was found dead in upstate New York near Lake George. New York State Police
An exact cause of death has yet to be determined, officials said, with an autopsy expected later Monday. Instagram/Luciano Frattolin
Lake George, New York, is a popular tourist destination. tamas – stock.adobe.com
Authorities say Frattolin was allowed to travel with Melina during a custody visit arranged with his ex-wife, from whom he separated in 2019. Melina lived full-time with her mother in Quebec, who told police she had never feared for her daughter’s safety during visits with her father. Frattolin had no known criminal or domestic violence history.
An official cause of death has not yet been released.
Frattolin’s social media reflects a shift: his last post featuring Melina appeared in 2023, while his most recent post in June 2025 showcased only a Porsche.
As the investigation continues, police say there is no broader threat to the public. An exact motive remains unclear, and the final autopsy results have yet to be released.
