20-07-2025
Missing 9-year-old girl found dead, police say 'no indication' of abduction
New York State Police said that a missing 9-year-old girl connected to an Amber Alert was found dead in Upstate New York.
Melina Galanis Frattolin was found in Ticonderoga, New York, on Sunday,July 20, according to a statement from Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, a spokesperson for the State Police.
The Warren County Sheriff's Office activated the Amber Alert system on Sunday for Frattolin, though the statement announcing her death said that "there is no indication that an abduction occurred."
"As the case progressed, law enforcement identified inconsistencies in the father's account of events and the timeline he provided," O'Neil's statement reads.
Authorities said earlier Sunday she was last seen in a white van on I-87 southbound near Exit 22 in Lake George, New York, at 9:40 p.m. ET on July 19. The statement identified her father Luciano Frattolin, 45, as the person who called 911 to report an abduction just before 10 p.m. ET Saturday night.
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Investigation underway, more details to be released
The Warren County Sheriff's Office has turned over the investigation, which remains ongoing, to the state police, according to the statement.
A news conference is anticipated to be held on Monday, July 21.
This is a developing story that has been updated with new information.
Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
