Husband Charged With Murdering Wife, Setting Fire to Home With Daughter Inside
Prosecutors allege Jonathan Gatto strangled his wife, Dr. Julia Pederson, and then set their Harrisburg home ablaze while their 7-year-old daughter slept nearby.
Jonathan Gatto, 42, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder for allegedly strangling his wife, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center pediatrician Dr. Julia Pederson, 41, and then setting her body on fire. The incident occurred at their home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, while the couple's seven-year-old daughter slept in a nearby room.
Harrisburg police responded to a fire at the residence on the morning of Saturday, October 12. Upon investigation, authorities determined that Pederson's death was not caused by the fire. An autopsy revealed that she had sustained traumatic injuries prior to the blaze, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Gatto told investigators that the couple had been experiencing marital problems and were planning a separation. He claimed that he awoke to smoke detectors and rushed to get their daughter from her bedroom. According to an affidavit, Gatto stated he attempted to retrieve Pederson but burned his hand while trying to enter the room, which was engulfed in flames. Blood tests indicated Pederson had been deceased before the fire began.
Investigators found that the fire was intentionally set, according to a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal. The blaze was described as 'very small' by first responders.
In addition to murder, Gatto faces charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, endangering the welfare of children, arson, and aggravated arson. He has been denied bail and is currently held at Dauphin County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 28.
Dr. Pederson was remembered as a dedicated physician and mother. A GoFundMe fundraiser organized by her sister aims to cover funeral expenses and establish a scholarship fund for her daughter. Pederson, a graduate of Harvard University and Stanford's School of Medicine, was a pediatric resident at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago before joining UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics in February. UPMC issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of their "beloved pediatrician" and "valued member" of their team.