Essex County Court will hear sentencing on Wednesday for Luciano Frattolan, who was found guilty in August of murdering his daughter, Melina Frattolan, and concealing her corpse. The verdict follows a harrowing investigation that began with a fabricated kidnapping story.

False kidnapping claim

In July 2025, Frattolan told investigators that his daughter had been abducted from a Lake George rest stop by a white van while the family was traveling from Canada to the United States. An Amber Alert was issued, but police quickly grew skeptical of the account.

Investigation leads to discovery

License‑plate reader data and cellphone records pointed officers to a wooded area near Ticonderoga. There, they located Melina’s body in a shallow pond. Preliminary forensic results indicated she died from asphyxia caused by drowning, and the death was ruled a homicide.

Family background

Melina was on a cross‑border trip with her father. Her parents lived apart, and her mother held full legal custody. The tragedy has left the community reeling and raised concerns about parental responsibility and child safety.

Sentencing outlook

Frattolan faces a mandatory life sentence under New York law for first‑degree murder. The court will determine whether a possibility of parole exists, but the severity of the crime makes a lengthy incarceration likely.

Community response

Local residents expressed shock and sorrow at the news, emphasizing the need for vigilance when children travel across borders. Faith‑based groups in the area have offered prayers for Melina’s family and called for stronger support for families dealing with custody disputes.

Next steps

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at the Essex County Courthouse. CBS6 will continue to provide updates as the case progresses.

Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.