Cause of Death Revealed for 9-Year-Old Greek-Canadian Girl in New York

The cause of death for 9-year-old Melina Galani-Fratolin, allegedly murdered by her Canadian father, has been revealed as drowning, according to preliminary autopsy results. The incident occurred while they were vacationing in New York.

The girl's body was found near Ticonderoga, less than 24 hours after her father, Luciano Fratolin, reported her alleged abduction to the authorities. The 45-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder and concealment of a corpse, pleading not guilty in court.

The forensic examination indicated that the death was due to "asphyxia due to drowning" and was officially ruled a homicide. Before the tragic event, Melina had spoken with her mother. Relatives expressed shock and concern about the situation.