Luciano Frattolin, 45, has been charged with second-degree murder after the body of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, was found in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, New York. She was reported missing on July 19, and discovered the next day “hidden under a log,” according to police.

Frattolin initially claimed Melina disappeared while he stepped into the woods. His story changed multiple times, including claims that “two unidentified men forced her into a van.” An AMBER Alert was issued, but police found no evidence supporting his kidnapping claims.

Surveillance video showed Melina and her father at a restaurant hours before her death. She called her mother, sounding “healthy and calm.” Authorities now believe Luciano killed her shortly after that call and tried to stage a fake abduction.

An autopsy confirmed Melina died from “asphyxia due to drowning,” and her death was ruled a homicide.

Frattolin, a Canadian entrepreneur, once called his daughter his “inspiration.” He pleaded not guilty and is in jail pending a hearing. The motive remains unknown.

The case has sparked an outpouring of grief: “Please stop killing these beautiful children,” one commenter wrote. The investigation is ongoing.