Pennsylvania Doctor Allegedly Drugged Before Estranged Husband Murdered Her, Set Home Ablaze
Dr. Julia Pederson reportedly expressed concerns about feeling drugged in the weeks leading up to her death, while her estranged husband faces homicide and arson charges.
A Pennsylvania pediatrician who was allegedly strangled to death by her estranged husband before he set their home on fire had voiced concerns about feeling "drugged" in the weeks prior to her death, according to a search warrant.
Dr. Julia Pederson, 41, of Harrisburg, was found deceased after her estranged husband, Jonathan Gatto, allegedly set their home ablaze on Oct. 10. Their 7-year-old daughter was reportedly asleep in the house at the time.
According to a warrant cited by pennlive.com, Pederson had sent a message to her mother about a month before her death, stating she felt groggy and had difficulty walking. The pediatrician had scheduled bloodwork to investigate these symptoms on the same day she died.
Investigators also learned from one of Pederson's co-workers that the doctor's daughter frequently brought drinks to her mother at work. Pederson had reportedly expressed to the colleague that she did not want the drinks, but that her husband would allegedly insist their daughter deliver them.
Gatto has since been charged with homicide and aggravated arson in connection with Pederson's death.
