What began as a frantic search for a missing young girl has now taken a devastating turn.
A father’s heartbreaking plea for help has come under intense scrutiny, as law enforcement uncovers a troubling truth behind his story.
What seemed like a case of child abduction has now become a criminal investigation centered on someone the little girl trusted most—her own dad.
Frantic Search Turns Fatal
On Saturday, the quiet town of Lake George, nestled in the Adirondack region of upstate New York, was shaken when nine-year-old Melina Frattolin was reported missing.
Her father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, told police that his daughter had been kidnapped by someone driving a white van.
His account triggered an urgent Amber Alert, with authorities fearing that the young girl was in imminent danger.
But the desperate search that followed didn’t end with a reunion—it ended in heartbreak.
Inconsistencies Spark Suspicion
After hours of combing the surrounding areas, including Ticonderoga—about 45 miles south of where Melina was last reportedly seen—investigators found the girl’s lifeless body.
The discovery quickly shifted the focus of the investigation.
Police began to question the father’s version of events, revealing that there was no evidence that an abduction had taken place.
As officials dug deeper, they pointed to inconsistencies in Luciano’s timeline and story.
That’s when the investigation, originally led by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, took a sharp turn.
Father Taken Into Custody
Luciano Frattolin, who hails from Canada along with his daughter, is now in custody at Essex County Jail.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact charges, but they’re expected to provide an official update on Monday.
At this stage, it’s clear that law enforcement believes the father’s story was misleading, and they no longer believe the public is at risk.
A Portrait of the Father: Who Is Luciano Frattolin?
Luciano isn’t just a grieving parent—he’s also a known figure in the organic coffee business.
As the founder of the brand Gambella, he has long painted himself as a global entrepreneur with deep cultural roots.
According to the company’s website, Frattolin’s heritage is part Ethiopian and part Italian.
Born in the remote Ethiopian village of Gambella, he was raised between his mother’s coffee farm and his father’s life in Milan.
His website paints a picture of a thoughtful, cross-cultural businessman with a passion for humanities and a talent for building companies.
None of that, however, could have prepared the public for the shocking developments now unfolding around him.
Community Left Reeling as Questions Mount
The discovery of Melina’s body has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
How did things go so wrong?
What truly happened between the time her father reported her missing and the time she was found dead?
Authorities are still piecing together the timeline, and a clearer picture is expected to emerge in the coming days.
What Happens Next?
As we wait for Monday’s briefing, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is: what really happened to Melina Frattolin?
With her father now in custody, the answers may lie in the very testimony he gave.
Whether this leads to formal charges or more shocking revelations, the public—and especially the grieving community—will be watching closely.