Body of Missing 9-Year-Old Found, Amber Alert Canceled

News Summary

The search for 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin ended tragically with the discovery of her body, leading to the cancellation of an Amber Alert issued for her. Her father reported her missing, but inconsistencies in his statements raised suspicions. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of her death, as community members express grief and concern over child safety.

Ticonderoga, N.Y. – Amber Alert Canceled After Tragic Discovery

The search for 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin ended in tragedy when her body was found on Sunday, leading to the cancellation of an Amber Alert that had been issued just hours earlier. The alert was initiated at approximately 1:29 a.m. on Sunday after Melina was reported missing by her father, Luciano Frattolin, at about 9:58 p.m. on Saturday night.

Luciano Frattolin, a 45-year-old businessman from Canada, claimed his daughter was abducted near Exit 22 on Interstate 87 in Lake George, New York, approximately 70 miles from their home in Williamstown. The Amber alert described Melina as being in “imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death” and indicated she was last seen traveling in a white van.

Investigation and Recovery

Melina’s body was discovered on Sunday, and the Amber alert was swiftly canceled shortly after 4 p.m. Various law enforcement agencies, including the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Ticonderoga Police Department, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Forest Rangers, and New York State Police K9 and Aviation units, participated in the search effort.

New York State Police have stated that there is no indication of an actual abduction occurring. During the investigation, law enforcement officials noted that Luciano Frattolin provided inconsistent information regarding the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s disappearance. This has raised multiple questions about the validity of his claims. Furthermore, the police expressed uncertainty about whether Melina was ever in Lake George or Warren County.

Details on the Victim

Melina was last seen wearing shorts, a black-and-white striped shirt, and white Adidas sneakers. She was described as approximately five feet tall and weighing around 100 pounds. There was initial confusion regarding the timeline of her disappearance, as early reports incorrectly indicated that she went missing around 7:40 p.m. This was later corrected to the actual time of 9:40 p.m.

Ongoing Investigation

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office initially spearheaded the investigation but subsequently transferred it to the State Police. As of now, no suspects have been identified in connection with Melina’s death, and the investigation remains ongoing. In the wake of this tragedy, police are expected to hold a press conference on Monday to provide further updates and information regarding the investigation.

Community Response

In light of this tragic event, a statement released by the Police Benevolent Association of New York State extended condolences to Melina’s family, acknowledging the collective grief within the law enforcement community over the situation. The heartbreaking incident has shocked many in the region, highlighting the need for vigilance and support for families.

Background Context

Luciano Frattolin is documented as a businessman with ties to Montreal, Canada, as outlined on a biographical page for a coffee company he founded. The case has drawn attention due to the seriousness of the circumstances and the ongoing confusion surrounding the details of Melina’s disappearance and subsequent death.

This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the imperative for community engagement in the protection of the young.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Google Search: Amber Alert Melina Galanis Frattolin
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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Amber Alert
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• Google News: Amber Alert New York
• CBS 6 Albany