The 9-year-old was reported missing from Lake George in northeast New York state by her father late Saturday evening.
NEW YORK — Authorities are investigating the death of a 9-year-old girl after her father initially claimed she was missing and possibly abducted. Police highlighted “inconsistencies” in his statement following the discovery of the girl’s body in New York state on Sunday.
According to New York State Police, Melina Frattolin was reported missing near Lake George in northeastern New York late Saturday evening by her father, Luciano Frattolin. Both are reported by officials to be Canadian residents.
No charges have been announced in the case.
State police reported finding the girl’s body on Sunday in Ticonderoga, around 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Lake George near the border with Vermont, during a search operation. The search was supported by K9 and aviation teams, police said.
Ticonderoga also is about 250 miles (400 kilometers) north of New York City in a popular resort area in the Adirondack Mountains.
“As the case progressed, law enforcement identified inconsistencies in the father’s account of events and the timeline he provided,” state police said in a statement.
“At this time, there is no indication that an abduction occurred, and there is no threat to the public,” the agency added. The agency did not elaborate.
Law enforcement officials said a news conference is scheduled for Monday. Luciano Frattolin’s whereabouts weren’t clear late Sunday.
Frattolin, 45, did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent via LinkedIn, Instagram and his company website.
Frattolin describes himself as a “loving father” on his Instagram profile.
On the website of a coffee company said to be founded by Frattolin, a post says that his daughter Melina is “the light of his life.”
“She is the inspiration for… well, everything,” it added.
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