ESSEX COUNTY, NY — In a tragic and deeply disturbing case that has shocked communities across both the United States and Canada, Luciano Frattolin, the father of 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin, has been booked into the Essex County Jail following the heartbreaking discovery of his daughter’s body.
Authorities confirmed that Luciano Frattolin, a 45-year-old Canadian citizen and resident of Montreal, was taken into custody and officially booked at 2:08 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into Melina’s death. His arrest followed hours of intense police activity, interviews, and a multi-agency search effort that spanned parts of Warren and Essex counties in upstate New York.
The case began to unfold on the night of Saturday, July 19, when Luciano made a 911 call around 9:58 p.m., reporting that his daughter had been abducted from near Exit 22 of the I-87 Northway in Lake George. He told police she had vanished and may have been taken in a white van — a claim that triggered a statewide Amber Alert and mobilized multiple law enforcement and emergency service agencies.
However, as the investigation progressed, New York State Police and partnering agencies began to note inconsistencies in Luciano Frattolin’s account. Officials grew increasingly suspicious as elements of his story failed to align with physical evidence and witness reports.
By Sunday afternoon, July 20, the Amber Alert was canceled after a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officer discovered the lifeless body of Melina Galanis Frattolin in a wooded area near Ticonderoga, located in Essex County. The exact cause of her death has not yet been disclosed, pending the results of an autopsy, but investigators have indicated that no credible evidence of abduction has been found.
Following the discovery of Melina’s remains, the investigation quickly shifted focus. Law enforcement officials, citing the troubling contradictions in Luciano’s original statements, brought him in for further questioning. He was formally arrested and transported to the Essex County Jail in Lewis, New York, where he remains in custody. Charges have not yet been publicly announced, and the case remains active.
Luciano Frattolin is known in Montreal as the founder of Gambella Coffee, a business inspired by his multicultural heritage — his mother is Ethiopian, and his father is Italian. Promotional material for the company frequently referenced Melina as the “light of his life,” describing their bond as a cornerstone of his personal identity. These portrayals have made the grim outcome all the more heartbreaking for those who knew them.
The incident has left communities in Lake George, Ticonderoga, and Montreal in shock and mourning. Tributes for Melina, described by those close to the family as a kind, spirited, and bright young girl, have begun to appear across social media and local news outlets. Many are expressing outrage and grief as they await answers from authorities.
The New York State Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and more information — including potential charges — is expected to be released in the coming days. Law enforcement emphasized that there is no active threat to the public at this time.
This devastating case continues to unfold, and both local and international communities now wait for justice for Melina Galanis Frattolin, whose life ended far too soon.
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