Melina Frattolin update: Missing girl’s dad made chilling ‘white van’ claim before 9-year-old’s body found as ‘inconsistent’ timeline exposes truth

Officials said Monday, July 21, that Luciano Frattolin, a father who reported his daughter missing while on vacation in the United States, was charged with second-degree murder and concealing of a corpse.

Luciano, 45, called the police on Saturday to report that 9-year-old Melina may have been kidnapped near Lake George, New York.

Also read: Melina Frattolin death: how New York cops found girl’s body after father Luciano’s account and timeline sh


After Melina was discovered dead in a nearby town, inside a pond, an Amber Alert was issued for the girl, however it was cancelled.

When she was discovered, Luciano "was suspected of having visited" the location.

Luciano’s strained ties with Melina’s mom

At a press conference Monday morning, Captain Robert A. McConnell of the New York State Police said that Luciano and the girl's mother had been at odds since 2019 and that the mother had full custody of Melina.

Melina had called her Montreal-based mother just before she passed away to let her know that the two of them were headed home.

According to McConnell, "the child did not appear to be under any duress and appeared to be in good health."

"The investigation has found that Mr. Frattolin allegedly murdered Melina and left her body in a remote area, where she was later found by law enforcement, sometime after Melina called her mother and before he called 911."

Authorities say the man said he had stopped in a parking lot to urinate and then went back to the car, but Melina was not there.

Also read: What happened to Melina Galanis Frattolin? Everything we know so far about the missing 9-year-old found de

White van used to coerce child, says ‘dad’

"Initial reports from Mr. Frattolin of a suspicious white van in the area of the alleged disappearance was proven to be untrue," McConnell stated.

Later, the chief disclosed that Luciano had stated that she had been coerced into the van by two unidentified men.

"That lead was thoroughly investigated and disproven," he stated.

The state police were "working tirelessly to hold those responsible fully accountable," according to a post made by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday night.

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul makes statement about case

"Lake George has broken the news. She wrote on X, "We're grieving the loss of 9-year-old Melina Frattolin.

"There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time."

Timeline of Melina Frattolin’s murder

Authorities released a detailed timeline following the death of Melina Frattolin.

July 19, 5:30 p.m. – Melina is captured on surveillance cameras with her father, Luciano, in Saratoga Springs, New York.

July 19, 6:30 p.m. – Melina speaks to her mother and mentions they are heading back home to Canada.

July 19, 10:00 p.m. – Luciano contacts 911 to report a possible abduction.

July 20, early morning – An Amber Alert is issued for Melina.

July 20, 1:50 p.m. – A body is discovered in a shallow section of a pond in Ticonderoga, New York.

Source: New York State Police

According to authorities, Luciano had no past criminal history, including domestic violence, and the cause of the girl's death will be disclosed after the autopsy is completed.

"We were informed that she had passed away while I was in the command post. "It was really emotional and challenging," he added.

"At that point though, the best we could do is provide some measure of justice to the family and we are just fortunate we're able to do that in this case."

Also read: Who is Luciano Frattolin? The grieving father at the heart of the Melina Frattolin tragedy

Since the beginning of their journey on July 11, the two have been touring the United States, stopping in destinations like New York City and Connecticut.

According to the police, Melina's mother didn't worry for her when she was with her father.

It is anticipated that Luciano would face charges in New York.