A preliminary autopsy has revealed that 9-year-old Canadian girl, Melina Galanis Frattolin, died from drowning, and her death has been classified as a homicide, according to the New York State Police on Tuesday.

Dr. Michael Sikirica performed the autopsy at Glens Falls Hospital on July 21. 

Although the final laboratory results are still awaited, the cause of death is recorded as asphyxia due to drowning, with the manner of death determined to be homicide, police stated in their release.

Melina’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, is currently facing charges of second-degree murder and the concealment of a human corpse, following allegations that he fabricated a kidnapping story.

Authorities held a press conference on Monday, July 21, in connection with the death of 9-year-old Melina Frattolin. (Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)

Authorities said no evidence supported Frattolin’s claims of an abduction involving a suspicious van. Law enforcement agencies from New York, Canada, and the FBI assisted in the investigation.

New York state police are urging the public to submit tips, video, or dashcam footage showing the 2024 gray Toyota Prius the father and daughter traveled in between July 11 and July 19, particularly along I-87 Northway exits 28 to 20 during the evening of July 19. 

Luciano Frattolin, 45, is seen in a booking photo released by New York State Police. He is charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse in the death of his 9-year-old daughter Melina Frattolin. (New York State Police)