New York State Police have charged Luciano Frattolin, 45, with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse following the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin. Her body was found in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, NY, just one day after he reported her missing.

Luciano, a Montreal resident, pleaded not guilty during his Monday arraignment and is being held at Essex County Jail.On Saturday night, he called 911 to report Melina missing near Exit 22 in Lake George, initially claiming she was abducted. An AMBER Alert described a white van fleeing the scene. However, police soon uncovered inconsistencies in his story. He later changed his account, alleging two men forced her into the van — both claims were determined to be false.

Melina had been seen on surveillance at a Saratoga Springs restaurant around 5:30 p.m. Saturday and later spoke with her mother by phone. She appeared healthy and calm. Authorities believe she was killed shortly after that call.Luciano and Melina had entered the U.S. legally on July 11 for a vacation. She was due to return to her mother’s custody on Sunday. An autopsy is pending, and no official cause of death has been released.

Police say Luciano had no criminal history or record of domestic violence. His felony hearing is set for Friday, July 25.News of Melina’s death has drawn widespread grief and outrage. Many online expressed heartbreak and demanded justice.Luciano, founder of Gambella Coffee, is known for promoting family values and once described Melina as his “guiding light.” Now, what began as a missing child report has become a homicide investigation, with growing public calls for accountability and answers.