Latest news with #MelinaFrattolin
Toronto Sun
3 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Hotel employee finds tablet believed to be connected to slain Montreal girl
Melina Frattolin's father has been charged with the second-degree murder of the nine-year-old Published Jul 24, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read Melina Frattolin was reported missing by her father on July 19 in Lake George. Photo by Facebook The owner of a hotel in Lake George, N.Y. says his staff members discovered a computer tablet they hope could shed light on the death of Melina Frattolin. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. 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Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The body of nine-year-old Melina of Montreal was found Sunday by searchers in a pond in New York state. Her father, Luciano Frattolin, who claimed she was abducted while they were on vacation in the United States, has been charged with murder. Rob Gregor, the owner of Gregor Hotels on Canada St., told CBS6 News of Albany, N.Y., that one of his employees found a tablet in a raised flower garden located near the hotel early on Sunday morning. When a staff member turned it on, they saw photos of a girl resembling Melina. Staffers recognized the picture because an Amber Alert with her image had been issued late Saturday night after she had been reported missing. 'She plugged in the tablet and the first photographs look very much like the missing girl at the time. She was missing — we didn't know that she was deceased — so I ran over to the hotel,' Gregor told CBS6 News. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Gregor contacted the authorities, and the New York State Police took the tablet, Gregor said. It was unclear whether the tablet belonged to Melina, he said. The Gregor Hotel is located on Canada St., the main thoroughfare through Lake George. Gregor said it was easy to imagine someone tossing the tablet from a moving vehicle. The hotel is located just off of Exit 22 in Lake George. It's the same area where Luciano Frattolin contacted police around 10 p.m. on Saturday to report his daughter was missing. He said he had stopped near the exit to urinate in the woods. When he returned to his vehicle, his daughter had been abducted by individuals who fled in a white van, he said. The next day, Melina's body was found submerged beneath a log in a pond near Ticonderoga, about 60 kilometres north of Lake George. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. New York State Police reported Melina was observed on video surveillance in Saratago Springs, N.Y., at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, about 40 kilometres south of Lake George. At 6:30 p.m., she spoke to her mother by phone and did not indicate she was under duress. The police force's investigation determined sometime after Melina's phone call with her mother and before Frattolin's 911 call at 10 p.m. that he allegedly murdered Melina and left her body in a remote area. An autopsy found the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning. On Monday, Frattolin was charged with second-degree murder and the concealment of a human corpse. He pleaded not guilty. The New York State Police told The Gazette on Wednesday that no additional information could be released at the time because the investigation is ongoing. Investigators and members of the New York State Forest Rangers were conducting a search for evidence of the area on Tuesday. Luciano Frattolin, 45, is scheduled to appear in court Friday. Frattolin had been separated from Melina's mother since 2019, but he still had regular visitation with his daughter. The trip to the U.S. had been planned, and Frattolin and his daughter entered the U.S. legally on July 11. They were expected to return to Canada on Saturday, at which point Melina was to be returned to her mother. Harry North of The Gazette contributed to this report. This report will be updated. Sports Ontario Wrestling Canada Golf
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Heartbreaking piece of Melina Frattolin 'evidence' dumped in flower bed after nine year-old's murder 'by father'
An electronic tablet believed to have belonged to Melina Frattolin, the nine-year-old girl who was allegedly murdered by her father, was found dumped in a flower bed, a local hotel owner said. Frattolin's lifeless body was found underneath a log in the shallow end of a pond near Ticonderoga Sunday after her father, Luciano Frattolin, reported her missing the day before. Luciano, a Canadian CEO, initially told police his child was abducted by someone in a white van in upstate New York, but now cops claim he misled the investigation after they found her dead. Nearly a week after the little girl's body was discovered, Rob Gregor, the owner of Gregor Hotels in Lake George, said his staff found the device that he believes was Frattolin's in the flowers outside the building just off Exit 22 - the same area Luciano called police to report her missing. 'We looked at a couple other pictures and it looked shockingly similar to, you know, the little girl they were looking for,' Gregor told CBS6. He said objects often get dumped in the town, especially on a Saturday night, but when his staff decided to switch it on they found what appeared to be images of her on the screen. 'She plugged in the tablet and the first photographs look very much like the missing girl at the time. She was missing– We didn't know that she was deceased – So, I ran over to the hotel,' Gregor recalled. After finding the device, Gregor contacted the authorities, prompting a Warren County Sheriff deputy and the New York State Police to respond. A tablet believed to have belonged to Melina Frattolin, the nine-year-old girl who was allegedly murdered by her father, was found dumped in a flower bed outside of a Lake George hotel Rob Gregor, the owner of Gregor Hotels in Lake George, said he found a device that he believes was Frattolin's in the flowers outside the building just off Exit 22 (pictured) - the same area Luciano called police to report her missing 'They took it into evidence. So that's the last I saw of it,' Gregor told the outlet. The authorities are yet to confirm the tablet belonged to the Fratollin. Daily Mail contacted the New York State Police for comment but did not hear back in time for this report. An autopsy ruled that Melina died from asphyxia due to drowning. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. Luciano, who has been arrested in connection to his daughter's suspicious death, was reportedly spotted running by a witness. Ticonderoga resident Rebecca Kulickowski said she had tipped police off after saying she spotted a man sprinting through a hilly section of woodland on Saturday night. She told News10: 'It only caught my eye because as I was driving past the car, I seen a skinny tall guy. And he was running up a hill that he was parked next to and there was wooded area on the bottom of it. 'I just didn't feel right, there was something about him, I don't know, our eyes locked when I drove by, he looked at me.' Luciano (pictured with his late daughter) initially told police his child was abducted by someone in a white van in upstate New York, but now cops claim he misled the investigation after they found her dead Gregor said when his staff powered the tablet on they found images that appeared to look like Frattolin. (Pictured: The flower bed the device was found in) Police released pictures of Luciano's vehicle, a grey 2024 Toyota Prius, as they asked for help in gathering more evidence State Police said they had received over 700 tips from the public after the initial alert was issued. As part of their investigation, they also released pictures of Luciano's vehicle, a grey 2024 Toyota Prius, as they asked for help in gathering more evidence. Captain Robert McConnell with the New York State Police said her father, who lives in Montreal, Canada, killed the girl on Saturday night while they were on vacation close to the picturesque town of Lake George, located in the Adirondacks region of New York. The father and daughter were both in America legally after starting their vacation on July 11. They were due to return to their native Quebec on Sunday. Luciano initially called the local Warren County Sheriff's Office claiming that two men in a white van had abducted his daughter. An AMBER alert was ssued by New York State Police around 10pm, as they advised the public they believed she was in 'imminent danger.' Luciano was charged with second-degree murder on Sunday night. The father remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty Police soon became suspicious of Luciano's story just before locating her body around 2pm Sunday. He was charged with second-degree murder on Sunday night. The father remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty. He is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility and he was spotted in a white prison jumpsuit and shackles while he was hauled into Ticonderoga Town Court on Monday. The nine-year-old resided full time with her mother and her father visited without limitations. He also had zero criminal record, McConnell said.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Disturbing behavior of Melina Frattolin's dad 'moments after he murdered the nine year-old'
The father of a nine-year-old girl facing murder charges over her death was spotted running through a hill by a witness after allegedly killing his daughter and hiding her body. Melina Frattolin was reported missing on Saturday by her father Luciano Frattolin, who told police his child was abducted by someone in a white van in upstate New York. Her body was later found underneath a log in a shallow section of a pond near Ticonderoga, having died by drowning. State Police say her father, a Canadian CEO, faked the missing report and is facing a second-degree murder charge, as well as concealment of a human corpse. He has pleaded not guilty. Ticonderoga resident Rebecca Kulickowski had tipped police off after saying she spotted a man she thinks was Luciano sprinting through a hilly section of woodland on Saturday night. She told News10: 'It only caught my eye because as I was driving past the car, I seen a skinny tall guy. And he was running up a hill that he was parked next to and there was wooded area on the bottom of it. 'I just didn't feel right, there was something about him, I don't know, our eyes locked when I drove by, he looked at me.' After waking up the next day to an Amber Alert over the disappearance of Melina, she immediately called the cops to explain what she had saw. State Police said they had received over 700 tips from the public after the initial alert was issued. As part of their investigation, they also released pictures of Luciano's vehicle, a grey 2024 Toyota Prius, as they asked for help in gathering more evidence. Captain Robert McConnell said her father, who lives in Montreal, Canada, killed the girl on Saturday night while they were on vacation close to the picturesque town of Lake George, located in the Adirondacks region of New York. The father and daughter were both in America legally after starting their vacation on July 11. They were due to return to their native Quebec on Sunday. The horror unfolded on Saturday night, when Luciano called the local Warren County Sheriff's Office claiming that two men in a white van had abducted his daughter. Police soon became suspicious of Luciano's story on what happened just before locating her body around 2pm Sunday. He is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility and was spotted in a white prison jumpsuit and shackles while being hauled into Ticonderoga Town Court on Monday. Captain McConnell said Frattolin's mother, who has been estranged from Luciano since 2019, was expecting her daughter to be returned to her home in Montreal on Sunday. He is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility and was spotted in a white prison jumpsuit and shackles while being hauled into Ticonderoga Town Court on Monday The nine-year-old resided full time with her mother and her father visited without limitations. He also had zero criminal record, McConnell said. Surveillance footage from 5.30pm on Sunday showed Frattolin's final moments as she was seen with her father in Saratoga Springs. At 6.30pm, she phoned her mother and told her that she and her father were on their way back to Canada. 'The child appeared to be in good health and did not indicate she was under any duress,' McConnell said. 'The investigation has determined sometime after Melina's phone call with her mother and sometime before Mr Frattolin's 911 call, he allegedly murdered Melina and left her body in a remote area where she was later discovered by law enforcement.' Captain McConnell said Luciano initially told cops that his child was kidnapped on the highway near Lake George when he pulled over to urinate in the woods. The alleged killer dad said he turned around to find his daughter was no longer in their car, and he saw 'a suspicious white van' fleeing the scene. He later added that 'two unknown males forced' Frattolin into the vehicle. But when her body was found, detectives said there was no evidence she was ever abducted, and detectives said there was 'no threat to the public.' McConnell expressed his condolences to the family. 'This is certainly a difficult case and a heartbreaking investigation,' he said. Prior to her death, Frattolin's father gushed about her online, calling her the 'light of his life' and sharing pictures and videos of their 'father daughter' time. Luciano is the founder of an organic coffee brand called Gambella, according to the product's website. 'Luciano Frattolin is an experienced entrepreneur with a proven track record of building diverse, high-performance businesses,' the website read.
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
New York town holds vigil for Montreal girl after death: ‘Truly a tragedy'
Residents of an upstate New York town gathered Tuesday night to shed tears and light candles for a nine-year-old Montreal girl whose body was found in their community over the weekend. Scores of people in Ticonderoga gathered at a local park for an emotional tribute to nine-year-old Melina Frattolin. As 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' played softly from a speaker, people lit each other's candles, wiped away tears and bowed their heads as a prayer was read. The young girl was found dead in a shallow pond on Sunday in an alleged homicide. Preliminary autopsy results released Tuesday found she died from asphyxia due to drowning. Her 45-year-old father has been charged with second-degree murder and the concealment of a human corpse. Luciano Frattolin, a Montreal resident, has pleaded not guilty. Story continues below advertisement Ticonderoga resident Bridgette Cruz, who organized the vigil, said her heart is shattered for Melina's mother and loved ones. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'She was supposed to be taken care of, and I can't fathom as a mother the pain that she's enduring in her heart, and the suffering,' she said ahead of the vigil. 'It truly is a tragedy, not just for this town but two nations.' She says the little girl would forever be a part of the community, even if she didn't live there. 'This little girl was not from here but we're going to love her like she was from Ticonderoga,' Cruz said. Matthew Courtright, president and CEO of the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, said the whole community had been affected by the death. 'In the face of tragedy, in the face of issues, we always come together,' he said. 'People step up and we support each other.' At the vigil, a bouquet of flowers and a small stuffed animal were set on a table. Next to it sat two pieces of artwork, with a message in a child's handwriting that read, 'RIP Melina. You were loved by a lot of people.' As the sun set across the park, illuminating the open spaces and a bubbling waterfall, many of the vigil attendees expressed incomprehension at how a father could allegedly have killed his child. Story continues below advertisement 'Hearing about the father, it's devastating,' said Annette Hurlburt. 'I have a nine-year old nephew and I can't imagine this happening to him.' She said many residents of the town received an Amber Alert when Melina went missing, and had hoped for her safe return. Hurlburt said her message was to encourage anyone who is struggling to seek help before it's too late. 'If you are in a situation and you need to seek help, so tragedies like this don't happen, I would recommend getting help,' she said.
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Vancouver Sun
Americans hold vigil for Canadian girl, 9, found dead in a pond
Residents of an upstate New York town gathered Tuesday night to shed tears and light candles for a nine-year-old Montreal girl whose body was found in their community over the weekend. Scores of people in Ticonderoga gathered at a local park for an emotional tribute to nine-year-old Melina Frattolin. As 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' played softly from a speaker, people lit each other's candles, wiped away tears and bowed their heads as a prayer was read. The young girl was found dead in a shallow pond on Sunday in an alleged homicide. Preliminary autopsy results released Tuesday found she died from asphyxia due to drowning. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Her 45-year-old father has been charged with second-degree murder and the concealment of a human corpse. Luciano Frattolin, a Montreal resident, has pleaded not guilty. Ticonderoga resident Bridgette Cruz, who organized the vigil, said her heart is shattered for Melina's mother and loved ones. 'She was supposed to be taken care of, and I can't fathom as a mother the pain that she's enduring in her heart, and the suffering,' she said ahead of the vigil. 'It truly is a tragedy, not just for this town but two nations.' She says the little girl would forever be a part of the community, even if she didn't live there. 'This little girl was not from here but we're going to love her like she was from Ticonderoga,' Cruz said. Matthew Courtright, president and CEO of the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, said the whole community had been affected by the death. 'In the face of tragedy, in the face of issues, we always come together,' he said. 'People step up and we support each other.' At the vigil, a bouquet of flowers and a small stuffed animal were set on a table. Next to it sat two pieces of artwork, with a message in a child's handwriting that read, 'RIP Melina. You were loved by a lot of people.' As the sun set across the park, illuminating the open spaces and a bubbling waterfall, many of the vigil attendees expressed incomprehension at how a father could allegedly have killed his child. 'Hearing about the father, it's devastating,' said Annette Hurlburt. 'I have a nine-year old nephew and I can't imagine this happening to him.' She said many residents of the town received an Amber Alert when Melina went missing, and had hoped for her safe return. Hurlburt said her message was to encourage anyone who is struggling to seek help before it's too late. 'If you are in a situation and you need to seek help, so tragedies like this don't happen, I would recommend getting help,' she said. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
