TICONDEROGA, NY – In a case that has gripped the community, a Montreal father stands accused of murdering his nine-year-old daughter during a trip to the United States. Luciano Federline, 45, is charged with murder and concealment of a human corpse after the young girl’s body was found hidden in a pond.
Federline and his daughter, Molina, entered the U.S. for a vacation on July 11. The two traveled to various locations, including Saratoga Springs, where surveillance cameras last captured them together at a restaurant.
On Saturday night, Federline reported a supposed abduction near Lake George, claiming Molina vanished while he used a restroom. This prompted an Amber Alert and an intensive search effort.
However, authorities soon questioned the father’s story. By Sunday, Molina’s body was discovered in a shallow pond, concealed under a log—a finding that dashed hopes of a rescue.
The parents had been estranged since 2019, with Molina living with her mother. Despite the separation, there were no concerns about the trip, as Molina’s mother trusted her daughter’s safety.
Molina had spoken with her mother just hours before her death, conveying no signs of trouble. This only adds to the perplexity surrounding the case.
Investigators are working to uncover a motive, as the community grapples with the emotional impact of the tragedy. Efforts are now directed toward ensuring justice for the young girl.
Federline, who maintains his innocence, is due back in court on Friday. The cause of death is still under investigation, awaiting autopsy results.