World · North America · 1 hr ago
Pennsylvania doctor’s husband charged with murder after fatal house fire
Pediatrician Julia Pederson was found dead at her home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, after a fire there on Saturday.
An autopsy found she died from traumatic injuries before the fire, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Her husband, Jonathan Gatto, was charged with first-degree murder and also faces charges including arson and endangering a child.
Police said their investigation found that the fire did not cause Pederson’s death, while a fire marshal concluded it was deliberately set.
Gatto told police he woke to smoke alarms and tried to reach Pederson, according to an affidavit; these are allegations, and the charges have not been proven in court.
The couple’s seven-year-old daughter was sleeping nearby, according to the account of the case.
The case now centers on the charges against Gatto, and the sources do not state when he will next appear in court.
Dr. Julia Pederson, a pediatrician in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was found dead after a fire at her home.
An autopsy found she died from traumatic injuries before the fire, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Her husband, Jonathan Gatto, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other offenses.
Prosecutors allege Gatto strangled Pederson and set her body on fire while their 7-year-old daughter slept nearby.
Investigators said the fire was intentionally set and did not cause Pederson’s death.
- Who
- Dr. Julia Pederson was found dead; her husband, Jonathan Gatto, was charged.
- What
- Gatto is accused of killing Pederson and setting her body on fire. He faces murder and other charges.
- When
- Pederson was found on a Saturday; Gatto was arrested on Wednesday, October 14.
- Where
- The couple’s home on the 2900 block of Green Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pederson was found dead after a fire at the couple’s Harrisburg home.
An autopsy found that Pederson died from traumatic injuries before the fire and ruled her death a homicide.
Gatto was arrested and charged.
- Victim
- Dr. Julia Pederson, 41
- Location
- 2900 block of Green Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Child
- The couple’s daughter was 7 years old
- Arrest
- Jonathan Gatto was arrested Wednesday, October 14
- Charges
- First-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, endangering the welfare of a child, arson and aggravated arson
2 sources
What people are saying
not caused by a fire
deeply saddened
Julia Pederson was a beloved friend, daughter, sister, wife, and mother whose passing has left a profound loss for everyone who knew and loved her
dedicated pediatrician