A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community: 9-year-old Melina Frattolin was found dead in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, New York, just one day after her father reported her missing.

Luciano Frattolin, 45, claimed Melina vanished near Exit 22 on the Northway while he stepped away briefly—initially sparking an AMBER Alert with reports of a white van and possible abduction. But investigators quickly found holes in his story.

Surveillance footage placed father and daughter together at a restaurant hours before her disappearance, and Melina’s final call to her mother revealed no signs of distress. On July 20, her body was recovered, and an autopsy confirmed she had drowned. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Luciano is now charged with second-degree murder and concealing a human corpse. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at Essex County Jail as the investigation continues.

Melina had arrived in the U.S. on July 11 for a summer visit with her father and was supposed to return to her mother on July 20. The case has left the public reeling, with an outpouring of grief and calls for justice across social media.

Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. While the investigation is ongoing, officials say there’s no ongoing threat to the public.