Cause of Death Revealed for Melina Frattolin, 9, as Father Faces Charges

The tragic death of 9-year-old Melina Frattolin has been revealed to have been caused by asphyxia due to drowning, with her death being ruled a homicide, according to New York State Police. The preliminary autopsy conducted by Dr. Michael Sikirica indicated the cause of Melina’s death, as announced in a press release on July 22. Melina was discovered deceased on July 20 in Ticonderoga, N.Y., after her father had falsely reported her missing during a family vacation from Montreal, Canada.

Her father, Luciano Frattolin, has now been charged with her murder and concealment of her body. The father and daughter were on a trip to Lake George in upstate New York when Melina was reported missing on July 19. Following an Amber Alert issued for the missing girl, she was tragically found dead. The father’s account of events and the timeline provided were scrutinised by authorities, leading to the conclusion that there was no evidence of abduction.

Luciano Frattolin was taken into custody on July 21 and has been charged with the murder of his daughter, along with the disposal of her body in a remote area as alleged by the state police. The suspect has reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. It was revealed that Melina’s parents had been separated for a number of years, with her mother having custody of her.

State police are seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining additional video evidence or eyewitness testimonies relating to the silver car used by the father and daughter from July 11 to July 19 on I-87. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact 518-873-2750 or email [email protected]. In the light of this heartbreaking incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities promptly.

This deeply distressing case highlights the critical need for swift and thorough investigations into all reported incidents involving children. As the investigation into Melina Frattolin’s tragic death continues, the authorities are working diligently to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may assist in shedding light on the circumstances leading to this devastating loss.

As the story unfolds, it is a solemn reminder of the vulnerability of children and the responsibility society shares in safeguarding their well-being. The memory of young Melina Frattolin will forever be etched in the hearts of those touched by her untimely passing. May her tragic loss serve as a call to action for increased awareness and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children who rely on adults for their care and safety.