Heavy police presence on I-87 for murder investigation

TICONDEROGA | After dozens of area residents stood in solidarity and memory of Melina Frattolin, a heavy police presence was visible on Interstate 87 through the day Wednesday as the investigation into her death continued. Candlelight vigils were held in Melina's honor Tuesday night in both Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake as dozens of residents shaken by her loss turned out to pay tribute to her life cut unthinkably short. After a somber crowd turned out in Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga, organizer Bridgette Cruz said she was overwhelmed by the support not only for the vigil itself but more importantly for Melina and her mom. Nearly 500 candles were assembled overnight, including 200 handcrafted by a local youth, as communities across the North Country and nation continued to reel in the heartbreaking loss of the 9-year-old Canadian girl who was found drowned in shallow pond waters in the Eagle Lake area "We may not have known her personally but something struck us all inside when the ending came," Cruz said after the vigil as she thanked all involved for their time and coming together in the face of the unimaginable crime and far-reaching heartache. "She didn't deserve what happened to her and our community was deeply touched by it as so many are. I felt it was appropriate to honor her here where her soul was left…She deserves love and respect and to never be forgotten." As Melina's father, Luciano Frattolin, now sits in Essex County Jail accused of murder in the young girl's death, New York State Police and partner law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the weekend crime that has captivated the nation in resounding loss. Authorities had a heavy presence on the I-87 Northway from Exit 28 in North Schroon through Exit 20, relating to the investigation as Frattolin is known to have traveled that area after he departed from Saratoga Saturday night before Melina's lifeless body was left in the Eagle Lake area and he falsely reported her missing from Exit 22 in Lake George a short time later. Drivers were being asked to avoid the area if possible and to use caution if heading through. Police are also looking for video evidence of the silver Prius Frattolin was driving from July 11 through July 19, specifically the area of the I-87 Northway between Exits 28 (North Schroon Lake: US 9, NY 74 to Ticonderoga) through Exit 20 (Fort Ann, Queensbury, Lake George, NY 149 and US 9) during the evening hours of July 19. Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call 518-873-2750 or email crimetip@troopers.ny.gov with any updates.

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Heavy police presence on I-87 for murder investigation

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