Ticonderoga, NY – Luciano Frattolin, a Montreal-based entrepreneur, has been arrested after the tragic discovery of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Galanis Frattolin, whose body was found in Ticonderoga, Essex County, New York, following a weekend Amber Alert. The case began with a missing child report but has now shifted into a criminal investigation as inconsistencies in Frattolin’s story led authorities to arrest him on suspicion of involvement in his daughter’s death.

The Tragic Sequence of Events

The events began on Saturday evening, July 19, 2025, when Luciano Frattolin contacted authorities to report his daughter Melina missing. He claimed that she had been abducted, and soon after, law enforcement agencies across both New York and Canada sprang into action. The New York State Police, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, issued an Amber Alert for the missing child, and the search quickly expanded to the Lake George and Ticonderoga areas, which are located roughly 35 miles apart.

Frattolin initially reported that Melina was last seen around 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, traveling southbound on Interstate 87 near Exit 22 in a white van. As the investigation continued, the timeline was later updated to 9:40 p.m. However, as authorities conducted interviews and examined the evidence, they identified several discrepancies in Frattolin’s statements and timeline. These inconsistencies led the police to believe that no abduction had occurred, and they assured the public that there was no further threat to the community.

Despite the shift in the investigation, the search for Melina continued, and tragically, her lifeless body was found later that same day in a wooded area near Ticonderoga, marking the search’s devastating end. The New York State Police confirmed that Melina had died, but the cause of her death has not yet been publicly released.

Luciano Frattolin’s Arrest: Investigating the Father’s Involvement

Following the discovery of his daughter’s body, Luciano Frattolin was arrested and taken into custody by authorities in connection to his daughter’s death. As of now, Frattolin has not been formally charged, and the specific charges against him remain unclear. However, investigators are continuing to gather evidence and examine every lead as they piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

Frattolin is a well-known Montreal-based entrepreneur and the founder of Gambella Coffee, a company that advocates for social justice and equitable access to resources. His biography highlights his devotion to his daughter, describing her as “the light of his life”, and paints a picture of a father who is deeply committed to family and community values. In light of this, Frattolin’s arrest has shocked both the public and his personal and professional circles. He had previously spoken publicly about his daughter’s importance to his worldview, and his business pursuits were often framed as being driven by a desire to create a better, more equitable world—a goal he said was deeply influenced by Melina’s presence in his life.

Frattolin’s arrest has raised numerous questions. If the man who once described his daughter as his greatest inspiration was involved in her death, what led to this tragedy? Was this an unfortunate accident, or was there foul play involved? Authorities are expected to reveal more details as their investigation progresses.

Community Reactions: A Heartbreaking Discovery

The discovery of Melina’s body and the subsequent arrest of her father has left the Ticonderoga and Lake George communities stunned. Residents and community leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of a young girl whose life was taken so suddenly. Melina, described as a 9-year-old with a bright smile and loving nature, had touched the hearts of many who knew her, and her death has cast a heavy shadow over the local community. Her family, including her mother and other loved ones, are reportedly grieving deeply, seeking answers as the investigation unfolds.

In the wake of this heartbreaking discovery, the Montreal community has also been shaken. Frattolin’s professional circle, particularly those involved with Gambella Coffee, has expressed disbelief at the events. Many are struggling to reconcile the image of the devoted father with the possibility of foul play involving his daughter. His arrest has left those close to him searching for explanations and understanding.

A statement from law enforcement emphasized that this was a tragic and shocking event. Authorities are working with the local community to piece together any potential clues to explain what happened and how Melina was lost under such mysterious and devastating circumstances.

Amber Alert and Investigation: Looking for Answers

As the investigation continues, New York State Police and local law enforcement are calling for any individuals with information regarding the case to come forward. The police are urging anyone who may have seen Frattolin and Melina or who has information about the time leading up to the child’s disappearance to contact them.

In the midst of the search for answers, frustration and confusion are mounting, especially as authorities piece together the contradictory elements of the case. Frattolin’s inconsistencies in his statements have only fueled questions, leading investigators to carefully scrutinize the timeline and his involvement in the incident.

At this stage, authorities have stated that no threat to the public remains, as they do not believe there are any other individuals involved in the crime. The safety of the community remains a priority, but it is clear that the focus has shifted toward understanding what led to Melina’s tragic death and how Frattolin is connected to the events surrounding it.

Future Developments and What’s Next

As the case continues, investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the full scope of the situation. The cause of death and the specific circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation. Autopsy results will play a key role in determining whether Melina’s death was accidental or if foul play was involved.

For now, the Ticonderoga community, along with the broader New York and Montreal communities, await further updates. Frattolin’s legal team will likely issue statements regarding his arrest, while authorities continue their work to determine the facts surrounding the child’s tragic end.

A funeral service for Melina is expected to be arranged soon, although no details have been officially released. The family is expected to release a statement in the coming days as they navigate the tragic loss of a 9-year-old girl whose bright future was taken from her far too soon.

This devastating event serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change, especially when it involves the people we love. Authorities and community members alike continue to hope that through the investigation, justice will prevail and the true story of what happened to Melina Galanis Frattolin will be understood.

Call for Justice and Awareness

As investigators continue their work, the community calls for justice for Melina. For now, the focus remains on providing answers and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

If you have any information related to the Melina Frattolin case, please contact New York State Police or local law enforcement immediately. Every detail counts, and your cooperation could make a significant difference in bringing closure to a devastated family.

Contact Information:
For more details, tips, or inquiries related to this investigation, please reach out to:

• New York State Police

• Local Law Enforcement: Ticonderoga Police Department

• Crime Tips: [Crime Stoppers Hotline]

We mourn with the Frattolin family, hoping that justice and understanding will come as they navigate through this unimaginable tragedy.