Doctor's Husband Charged with Murder and Arson
A Pennsylvania man faces charges after allegedly strangling his wife, a pediatrician, and setting their home on fire while their daughter was asleep.
Jonathan Gatto, 42, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated arson in connection with the death of his wife, Dr. Julia Pederson, 41. The incident occurred at their Harrisburg home on Saturday, according to court documents.
Gatto allegedly told police he was awakened by a smoke detector and discovered a fire in a downstairs bedroom. He reported getting his young daughter outside before attempting to re-enter the house and burning his hand. However, blood tests indicated that Pederson was already deceased before the fire began.
The coroner has ruled Pederson's death a homicide by multiple traumatic injuries. In addition to murder and arson, Gatto faces charges for abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and endangering the welfare of children.
According to reports, Gatto also informed police that his marriage was experiencing difficulties and that he and Pederson had planned to separate and discuss it with their daughter. Dr. Pederson was a pediatrician at UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics, where she was described as a beloved doctor dedicated to caring for children and supporting families.