Oregon School Shooting: Teen Used Gun Bought by Mom in Attack That Killed Four

Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Cook fought back tears during a press conference Thursday evening. “Today, an unthinkable tragedy happened at Silver Rail Elementary...
HomeUSDoctor Feared Drugging Before Estranged Husband Allegedly Killed Her

Doctor Feared Drugging Before Estranged Husband Allegedly Killed Her

A beloved Pennsylvania pediatrician allegedly told her mother she felt “drugged” in the weeks before her estranged husband is accused of strangling her and setting their home on fire, according to a search warrant.

Dr. Julia Pederson, 41, of Harrisburg, reportedly messaged her mother about feeling groggy and struggling to walk roughly one month before her death, according to a warrant cited by PennLive.com. Her estranged husband, Jonathan Gatto, is accused of setting their home ablaze on Oct. 10 while their 7-year-old daughter was asleep inside.

Dr. Julia Pederso, whose husband allegedly strangled her to death before setting their home on fire, had complained of feeling “drugged” in the weeks before her murder, according to a search warrant. GoFundMe

Booking photo of Jonathan Gatto.

Gatto is facing homicide and aggravated arson charges in connection with the death of his wife, Dr. Julia Pederson, in Harrisburg, Pa. Harrisburg Bureau of Police

Pederson also told her mother she had canceled five patient appointments so she could rest, the outlet reported.

She was scheduled to undergo bloodwork on Oct. 10—the day she died—to investigate the unusual symptoms, according to the warrant.

Investigators were also told by one of Pederson’s co-workers that the doctor’s daughter regularly brought drinks to her mother at work, the warrant said.

Pederson reportedly told the colleague she did not want the drinks, but said her husband would allegedly make their daughter deliver them.

Gatto was charged with Pederson’s murder last week.