Authorities say a respected pediatrician, wife and mother was killed by her husband.
Julia Pederson, 41, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, died after police allege that her husband, Jonathan Gatto, 41, strangled her inside their home before deliberately setting the property ablaze.
The fire was reported Saturday, Oct. 10, according to authorities. Gatto was taken into custody four days later and faces murder, arson and additional charges.
Police say Julia Pederson, 41, was strangled by her husband before he allegedly set their Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, home on fire. (Ever Loved Obituary, Abbey Pederson)
The Harrisburg Bureau of Police said the investigation determined that the 41-year-old victim did not die as a result of the fire.
The couple’s 7-year-old daughter was reportedly asleep in an upstairs bedroom when the incident occurred, according to KATV.
Jonathan Gatto, 41, has been charged with murder and arson in connection with his wife’s death and the Harrisburg house fire. (Harrisburg Bureau of Police)
Pederson was certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and received her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard University.
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Authorities allege that Gatto intentionally ignited the fire at the family’s Harrisburg home. (Google Maps)
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Community Pediatrics shared on Facebook that Pederson joined the organization in February.
A UPMC CCP spokesperson provided News Media with the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Dr. Julia Pederson, a beloved pediatrician and valued member of our UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics team. Dr. Pederson devoted her career to caring for children and supporting families, and her loss is felt deeply by colleagues, patients and communities she served. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones, and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
Before joining her latest practice, she worked as a pediatrician for several organizations in Pennsylvania, California and Chicago.
An obituary for Pederson said, “Through her medical career, Julia devoted herself to the health and well-being of children, providing care and support to the families who placed their trust in her.”
Loved ones and friends have been remembering Julia Pederson and honoring her life following her death. (Ever Loved Obituary: Shannon Itoyama)
Gatto remains held without bond at the Dauphin County jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 28.