Less than 24 hours after her father raised alarms about a possible kidnapping in a white van, nine-year-old Melina Frattolin was tragically found dead.
Luciano Frattolin, 45, alerted the New York State Police, sparking an Amber Alert on Saturday for his missing daughter. He reported a suspected abduction near Exit 22 in Lake George, upstate New York, to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
But on Sunday afternoon, authorities delivered a heartbreaking update: Melina had been found lifeless, and there was no evidence to support that an abduction had actually taken place.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office initially led the investigation into the disappearance of nine-year-old Melina Frattolin, the New York State Police (NYSP) confirmed.
As the case unfolded, law enforcement uncovered discrepancies in the timeline and details provided by Melina’s father, Luciano Frattolin, raising serious questions about his account of events.
Tragically, Melina was found deceased in Ticonderoga, New York—about 45 miles south of where her father last reported seeing her, according to NYSP. Authorities emphasized that “there is no indication that an abduction occurred” and reassured the public that “there is no threat.”
Melina, described as of Indian heritage, stood five feet tall, weighed around 100 pounds, with brown eyes and hair. Both she and her father are residents of Canada.
The small, scenic village of Lake George—nestled about 60 miles north of Albany in New York’s Adirondack region—was where Luciano Frattolin said he last saw his daughter.
At this time, no charges have been filed. The NYSP announced a press conference scheduled for Monday to provide further updates on the heartbreaking case.
Luciano Frattolin is also known as the founder of the organic coffee company Gambella. According to the company’s website, he is an experienced entrepreneur with a diverse background:
“Born to an Ethiopian mother and Italian father in the remote village of Gambella, Luciano’s upbringing bridged two very different worlds—from the coffee plantations of Ethiopia to the neoclassical streets of Milan. This unique heritage inspires his business vision and global outlook.”
When Melina was first reported missing, authorities issued an Amber Alert, signaling that the young girl was believed to be in “imminent danger.” The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) states that Amber Alerts are activated only in the most serious cases of child abduction, underscoring the urgency of the situation at the time.
“The goal of an AMBER Alert is to quickly mobilize the community to aid in the search and safe recovery of a missing child,” officials explained.
“These alerts are broadcast widely—through radio, television, highway signs, cell phones, and other digital devices—to reach as many people as possible.”
In 2025 alone, AMBER Alerts have helped safely recover 1,268 children, highlighting their vital role in protecting vulnerable kids.