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│ Key Points Summary │
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│ – 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin, from Montreal, was found drowned │
│ in Ticonderoga, New York, on July 20, 2025. │
│ – Her father, Luciano Frattolin, is charged with her murder and hiding her │
│ body. │
│ – Melina’s mother had full custody; Luciano was allowed vacation visits. │
│ – Melina spoke to her mother one hour before her reported abduction. │
│ – Police are investigating, seeking tips and footage relevant to the case. │
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The story of Melina Galanis Frattolin mother has gripped both Canada and the United States, with many searching for answers in the wake of a tragedy that has left a family and community devastated. In one of the most heartbreaking updates of July 2025, Melina, just 9 years old, drowned in upstate New York allegedly at the hands of her father. Her mother, who had primary custody, last spoke to Melina only an hour before the tragedy unfolded.
Details emerging from police briefings and court documents show the complexity of the situation. Melina lived with her mother in Montreal, following her parents’ estrangement in 2019. Despite the split, Luciano Frattolin, Melina’s father, had legal rights to take her on vacation and regularly spent time with her under supervised agreements. Melina’s mother trusted that these visits were safe, and the young girl showed no signs of distress during their communications, including their final phone call that took place on July 19. In that call, Melina appeared content and mentioned she and her father were preparing to return to Canada.
The timeline of events is deeply unsettling. Surveillance placed Melina and Luciano at a Saratoga Springs restaurant around 5:30 p.m. The call between Melina Galanis Frattolin and her mother followed nearly an hour later, providing no hint of the ensuing danger. By just before 10 p.m., Luciano phoned 911, claiming his daughter had been abducted by two men while he was away briefly.
An Amber Alert was issued, but investigators soon found inconsistencies in Luciano’s story. No witnesses or cameras corroborated the abduction narrative. Less than a day later, Melina’s body was found in a pond near Ticonderoga, about 30 miles from Lake George. She had been concealed under a log. The preliminary autopsy, conducted at Glens Falls Hospital, confirmed that Melina died from asphyxia due to drowning, and the death was ruled a homicide.
In the aftermath, New York State Police arrested Luciano Frattolin. He now faces charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. At his first court appearance in Ticonderoga, he pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail. The precise motive remains unclear, although court filings and interviews reference an ongoing custody arrangement and recent lawsuits involving Luciano.
Melina Galanis Frattolin mother, through her representatives, expressed profound grief and disbelief. Known for prioritizing Melina’s well-being above all else, she had never anticipated such an outcome and is now working with authorities as investigations proceed. Support has poured in from both Montreal and the Ticonderoga community, with many gathering at a candlelight vigil in Melina’s memory. Mental health professionals have also reached out, emphasizing support for affected families and urging communities to come together during such dark times.
For those following the case or affected directly, officials have asked for potential witnesses to share any dash-cam footage or relevant information. Specifically, authorities are seeking videos along Interstate 87, between Lake George and Ticonderoga, of a gray 2024 Toyota Prius used by Luciano and Melina on July 19. Their hope is that new evidence will clarify what took place in the critical hours between Melina’s last conversation with her mother and the 911 call.
Key information about Melina, her mother, and official developments can be summarized as follows:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Melina’s Age | 9 years |
| Custody Status | Lived with mother; father allowed vacation visits |
| Last Mother-Daughter Call | July 19, around 6:30 p.m. |
| Location of Incident | Ticonderoga, NY (body found in a pond) |
| Father’s Status | Arrested, charged with murder, in custody |
| Mother’s Actions | Cooperating with investigators, trusted visits |
As Melina Galanis Frattolin mother copes with unfathomable loss, her resilience inspires many to seek answers and justice. The investigation remains ongoing, and family, friends, and strangers alike stand united in supporting Melina’s memory.
If you have any information about this case, or wish to share your thoughts, please contribute in the comments below. Your insight and voice can help bring communities together, honor Melina, and support her mother through this unprecedented tragedy.