Vigil held in New York state for nine-year-old Montreal girl found in pond

By Canadian Press on July 22, 2025.

TICONDEROGA — Residents of an upstate New York town have held a candlelight vigil for a nine-year-old Montreal girl whose body was found in their community over the weekend.

Scores of people in Ticonderoga gathered at a local park in an emotional tribute to nine-year-old Melina Frattolin.

The young girl was found dead in a shallow pond on Sunday in an alleged homicide.

Her 45-year-old father has been charged with second-degree murder and the concealment of a human corpse.

Ticonderoga resident Bridgette Cruz says her heart is shattered for Melina’s mother and loved ones.

She says the little girl will forever be a part of the community, even if she didn’t live there.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.

The Canadian Press