A preliminary autopsy has determined that 9-year-old Melina Frattolin died of asphyxia due to drowning, and her death has been ruled a homicide, according to the New York State Police.
The autopsy, conducted by Dr. Michael Sikirica on July 21, revealed the cause of death following Melina’s tragic discovery over the weekend in Ticonderoga, New York. She was reported missing by her father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, on the night of July 19, who claimed she had been kidnapped.
Authorities issued an Amber Alert, but hours later, Melina’s body was found. Police later identified inconsistencies in Frattolin’s account of events and found no evidence to support his abduction claims. He was arrested on July 21 and charged with murder and concealment of a corpse, with allegations that he killed Melina and disposed of her body in a remote area. Frattolin has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The couple has been separated for several years, with Melina’s mother retaining custody. The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking the public’s assistance in gathering additional video evidence or eyewitness accounts related to the silver car the father and daughter traveled in from July 11 to July 19.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the New York State Police at 518-873-2750 or email crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.
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