NY - Melina Frattolin, 9, Abducted, seen 9:40pm in a white van traveling south on I-87 near exit 22, Lake George, 19 Jul 2025 *arrest*

[gregjrichards]

I feel so sorry for Melina’s Mother. She must be heartbroken and devastated by what has happened to her beloved daughter. His ego possibly couldn’t handle the fact that Melina’s mother had full custody, and he may have decided if he couldn’t have custody of Melina, then neither would she. He may also have felt bitterness, anger and resentment towards her Mother and decided he was going to make her suffer by taking Melina from her. It is abhorrent what he has allegedly done. His daughter’s happiness should have been his priority. He has allegedly robbed his daughter of the chance to live, to have fun with her friends, to go to college, to have a career, to fall in love, get married, have a family of her own and grow old because of his own selfishness.

I looked at the sentencing guidelines and the minimum possible punishment for second degree murder is only 15 years to life in prison. The sentence for concealment of a corpse is only up to four years in prison, fines and community service. I’m surprised at how lenient the sentence appears to be in New York compared to other states, considering he has allegedly killed his own daughter, an innocent child. If he is found guilty, he deserves to be in prison for the rest of his life. An individual who is capable of killing their own child or someone else’s should never be free because they will forever be a danger to others.

 

[shetalksinstereo]

As far as motive (imho) it was general revenge against the bio-mom, OR he was SA'ing her and she was going to tell.

 

[Judy Sleuth]

As far as motive (imho) it was general revenge against the bio-mom, OR he was SA'ing her and she was going to tell.

I'm still wondering whether that "rigid"-ness mentioned in his company's bio came into conflict with her "chaotic"-ness in a violent way, possibly in the heat of the moment.

 

[MyJoey]

I’m kind of wondering if this isn’t some kind of accidental death, he tried to cover up. So sad, what a beautiful young girl.

 

[katydid23]

If it was an 'innocent' accident, he probably wouldn't invent an abduction/murder as the cover up.

There are other kinds of 'accidents' which are not as innocent. Like a punishment that goes too far, or neglect or ?

 

[EspressoBean]

I feel so sorry for Melina’s Mother. She must be heartbroken and devastated by what has happened to her beloved daughter. His ego possibly couldn’t handle the fact that Melina’s mother had full custody, and he may have decided if he couldn’t have custody of Melina, then neither would she. He may also have felt bitterness, anger and resentment towards her Mother and decided he was going to make her suffer by taking Melina from her. It is abhorrent what he has allegedly done. His daughter’s happiness should have been his priority. He has allegedly robbed his daughter of the chance to live, to have fun with her friends, to go to college, to have a career, to fall in love, get married, have a family of her own and grow old because of his own selfishness.

I looked at the sentencing guidelines and the minimum possible punishment for second degree murder is only 15 years to life in prison. The sentence for concealment of a corpse is only up to four years in prison, fines and community service. I’m surprised at how lenient the sentence appears to be in New York compared to other states, considering he has allegedly killed his own daughter, an innocent child. If he is found guilty, he deserves to be in prison for the rest of his life. An individual who is capable of killing their own child or someone else’s should never be free because they will forever be a danger to others.

Keep in mind that the charge could be upgraded to first degree if evidence is found that it was planned and premeditated.
Her age and the situation would be considered aggravating factors that would influence harsher sentencing.

 

[cocomod]

He obviously hated that she didn't live with him. His biography talks about something horrible happening in 2019 - now we know the breakup of Melina's mom happened in that year as well. I think he hated that he didn't have control and that he had to take her back to her mom. Whether it be that he is punishing her mom, or he had a violent outburst and killed her, or something more sinister, I hope that Melina and her mom get the justice they deserve. He is a monster.

Rest peacefully sweet Melina

 

[EspressoBean]

I’m kind of wondering if this isn’t some kind of accidental death, he tried to cover up. So sad, what a beautiful young girl.

It would have to be accidental while showing complete indifference toward her life or total negligence that put her in obvious risk for her to die for it to be a 2nd degree murder charge.

 

[Fargo]

I feel so sorry for Melina’s Mother. She must be heartbroken and devastated by what has happened to her beloved daughter. His ego possibly couldn’t handle the fact that Melina’s mother had full custody, and he may have decided if he couldn’t have custody of Melina, then neither would she. He may also have felt bitterness, anger and resentment towards her Mother and decided he was going to make her suffer by taking Melina from her. It is abhorrent what he has allegedly done. His daughter’s happiness should have been his priority. He has allegedly robbed his daughter of the chance to live, to have fun with her friends, to go to college, to have a career, to fall in love, get married, have a family of her own and grow old because of his own selfishness.

I looked at the sentencing guidelines and the minimum possible punishment for second degree murder is only 15 years to life in prison. The sentence for concealment of a corpse is only up to four years in prison, fines and community service. I’m surprised at how lenient the sentence appears to be in New York compared to other states, considering he has allegedly killed his own daughter, an innocent child. If he is found guilty, he deserves to be in prison for the rest of his life. An individual who is capable of killing their own child or someone else’s should never be free because they will forever be a danger to others.

NY, like many other states, requires a grand jury indictment for first degree murder. 2nd degree is the most they can charge pending formal indictment.

 

[SMK777]

This is so tragic.
I think this is one of those cases of an ex hating/loathing their ex spouse more than loving their child.
It is possible that this dad did want to bond with his daughter on vacation.
Maybe they both had an enjoyable time together.
But when it came time to return the child to her mother he was seething in anger and hatred towards his ex and wanted to punish his ex in the most abhorrent way.
This is such a repugnant and reprehensible act.
How sad for Melina’s mom.
I can’t think of another motive for murdering this child other than lashing out at his ex/ Melina’s mom IMHO.

I'm just wondering what determined their charging him with second degree murder.

 

[Moe]

I'd like to know why he took Melina to Saratoga Springs on Saturday night, before he killed her, since I live here.

 

[BarRoomHero88]

I'd like to know why he took Melina to Saratoga Springs on Saturday night, before he killed her, since I live here.

Sounds like they were on their way back from Connecticut, from what I've read.

 

[CityKid]

I'm just wondering what determined their charging him with second degree murder.

NYS has a number of criteria for a first-degree murder charge (killing a police officer, peace officer or first responder, while in the line of duty; killing someone to prevent them from testifying against you; contract killing; killing someone when you're engaged in another crime against them). IANAL.

NYS Open Legislation | NYSenate.gov

www.nysenate.gov

 

[BarRoomHero88]

My SO and I thought something was off about the whole Amber Alert when we woke up early Sunday. No description other than a "white van". I know the area well, as I lived just outside of Lake George for many years, and we still vacation up that way, and where the girl was found. Guessing he did what he did, placed her near or in Arnold Pond, then panicked and drove back down to Lake George. While it's a terrible ending, the NY State Police did a great job getting to the bottom of this.

 

[mickey2942]

My parents were divorced, and the custody agreement was that I had to go with my "Dad", who I barely even knew, 1 month each summer. It was beyond horrible. He had no clue about young girls.

I told my Mom I was done and wouldn't do it again, when I was 11. She agreed, he did too. (I think he was relieved).

So, FWIW, maybe he just wasn't used to kids and got frustrated.

 

[Inthedetails]

Keep in mind that the charge could be upgraded to first degree if evidence is found that it was planned and premeditated.
Her age and the situation would be considered aggravating factors that would influence harsher sentencing.

NY State has specific requirements for a murder to be considered "first degree." Here is the law, for anyone interested:

NYS Open Legislation | NYSenate.gov

www.nysenate.gov

jmo

 

[Wishbone]

It makes me ill to know that after killing her he then puts her body in a pond. Heartless.JMOO

 

[Inthedetails]

I wasn't able to watch the presser and wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who provided transcription. Much appreciated.

Still left with the big question: WHY??!?

jmo

 

[Teche]

- It was very emotional. Speaker was at the command post when they heard a body had been found. And it was difficult.
- Was in custody of police from the time he made the report
- mom was aware of the trip

I missed that LF was in LE custody since the missing report.

 

[mickey2942]

It makes me ill to know that after killing her he then puts her body in a pond. Heartless.JMOO

Maybe he thought it would hide evidence?!