• Authorities issued an Amber Alert after nine-year-old Melina Frattolin was reported abducted near Lake George, New York. Less than 24 hours later, she was found dead in Ticonderoga. Investigators now say there is no evidence of a kidnapping, and her father’s account of the alleged abduction has come under increasing scrutiny.

LAKE GEORGE, NY (TDR) — A tragic case involving the reported abduction and death of nine-year-old Melina Frattolin has taken a grim turn as investigators say there is no evidence the girl was kidnapped. Police are now focusing on inconsistencies in the account provided by her father, Luciano Frattolin, who reported the girl missing Saturday evening.

The Amber Alert that initially galvanized state and local law enforcement was canceled less than 24 hours later, after Melina’s body was found in Ticonderoga—about 45 miles from where her father claimed she had been abducted.

Initial Report and Amber Alert

Frattolin contacted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 9:40 p.m. Saturday, July 19, reporting that his daughter had been abducted from a rest stop off Interstate 87 near Exit 22 in Lake George. He described the abductor as a person of Indian descent, approximately five feet tall and 100 pounds, driving a white van.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

New York State Police (NYSP) quickly issued an Amber Alert, citing the belief that Melina was in imminent danger.

“The child was taken under circumstances that led police to believe they were in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death,” the initial alert stated.

Discovery and Contradictions

A multi-agency search effort was launched, involving state park rangers, K-9 units, helicopters, and officers from Essex and Warren counties. But by Sunday morning, July 20, police confirmed the child had been found dead in Ticonderoga.

“There is no indication that an abduction occurred and there is no threat to the public,” NYSP said in a follow-up statement.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Investigators say Frattolin’s statements and timeline presented multiple inconsistencies.

“Law enforcement identified inconsistencies in the father’s account of events,” the statement continued.

Public Background and Investigation Status

Frattolin, a Canadian citizen, is the founder of Gambella, an organic coffee brand. According to his company’s website, he was born to an Ethiopian mother and an Italian father, and has built a reputation as a socially conscious entrepreneur.

Despite the emerging doubts surrounding his account, Frattolin has not yet been charged. NYSP officials confirmed a press conference is scheduled for Monday, July 21, to provide further updates.

What will investigators reveal next—and will Melina’s family find justice for a child lost under tragic and suspicious circumstances?

Follow The Dupree Report on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10