Tragically, authorities have announced that a 9-year-old minor who was vacationing in America was discovered deceased in New York. The discovery was made just a few hours after the child’s father contacted police to report her kidnapping.
Investigators say that the minor’s father called police around 9:58 P.M. on Saturday, June 19th. 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin told police the last time he saw his daughter was at Lake George while they were fishing together.
He also suggested that she was abducted by someone in a white van. An Amber Alert was immediately issued, noting that the girl was in imminent danger of being harmed or killed.
As the police searched for the youngster, other investigators began questioning Luciano. They learned that Luciano and his daughter were both residents of Canada but visiting New York on vacation. They also found multiple “inconsistencies” within the timeline of events leading up to the youngster’s disappearance.
Soon, the investigation was handed over to the state police, who promptly determined that there was no indication of an abduction.
Authorities ultimately discovered the youngster, now identified as Melina Galanis Frattolin, about 30 miles away in Ticonderoga the following day. Forest Rangers discovered the victim hidden under a log in a shallow portion of a pond. An autopsy revealed that she passed away as a result of asphyxia from drowning, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Frattolin was arrested and charged with both second-degree murder and the concealment of a corpse. He is being held at the Essex County Jail. During an initial hearing, he pleaded not guilty.
Second-Degree Murder in New York
In New York, an individual can be found guilty of second-degree murder when it’s determined that they caused the death of another person intentionally or recklessly. This crime is the most serious type of felony, classified as a Class A-I. A conviction could result in a life sentence behind bars.
The only charge more serious than this one is first-degree murder, which also includes the factor of planning out the crime and premeditating the murder. There are multiple types of murder-related charges that are less serious, though, including manslaughter, aggravated manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide.
If you ever get caught up in a legal situation where you could potentially face charges related to the death of another person, then it’s critical to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Don’t delay in seeking out representation, especially considering the severity of the charges.
An attorney will quickly get to work in helping you identify your best options and informing you on how to best navigate your situation. They’ll help you work towards potentially reducing your charges or crafting a solid defense strategy to secure a not guilty verdict.
Without the help of an attorney, you could face the most serious penalties possible in your situation. Use your one shot at justice wisely, and contact a lawyer.
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