Husband accused of murdering doctor wife and burning her body
16 october 2026 в 11:02
In Pennsylvania, the husband of pediatrician Julia Pederson is accused of strangling her to death and setting her body on fire while their seven-year-old daughter slept. Jonathan Gatto of Harrisburg was arrested on October 14 on charges of homicide, abuse of a corpse, and arson in connection with the investigation of a «suspicious» death and fire, according to Harrisburg police.
The charges were filed based on events that occurred four days earlier when Pederson’s body was found after authorities responded to a fire at the couple’s home. Investigators determined that the fire was set by Gatto, who allegedly strangled Pederson while their daughter was asleep. He is also accused of setting his wife’s body on fire after her murder.
Police reported that Pederson’s death «was not caused by the fire». The fire occurred in the bedroom of their Harrisburg home and was contained. During questioning, Gatto stated that his marriage to Pederson «was not good», - and they planned to tell their daughter about their separation. He claimed that on Friday night or around midnight on Saturday, he woke up to a sound resembling a fall and checked on his wife.
Gatto told police that he tried to give Pederson ibuprofen around 2 a.m., but she did not take it. He then woke up to the sound of smoke alarms, took their daughter outside, and called 911. He also stated that he went back inside to retrieve Pederson but burned his hand, after which he left the house and waited for rescuers.
The coroner ruled Pederson’s death a homicide due to multiple injuries. She worked as a pediatrician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A GoFundMe page has been created in support of her family, where Pederson is described as a «dedicated pediatrician who cared for children and supported families who entrusted her with their health».
In addition to charges of homicide, abuse of a corpse, and arson, Gatto is also charged with tampering with physical evidence and endangering the welfare of a child. It is unclear whether he has hired an attorney.
The charges were filed based on events that occurred four days earlier when Pederson’s body was found after authorities responded to a fire at the couple’s home. Investigators determined that the fire was set by Gatto, who allegedly strangled Pederson while their daughter was asleep. He is also accused of setting his wife’s body on fire after her murder.
Police reported that Pederson’s death «was not caused by the fire». The fire occurred in the bedroom of their Harrisburg home and was contained. During questioning, Gatto stated that his marriage to Pederson «was not good», - and they planned to tell their daughter about their separation. He claimed that on Friday night or around midnight on Saturday, he woke up to a sound resembling a fall and checked on his wife.
Gatto told police that he tried to give Pederson ibuprofen around 2 a.m., but she did not take it. He then woke up to the sound of smoke alarms, took their daughter outside, and called 911. He also stated that he went back inside to retrieve Pederson but burned his hand, after which he left the house and waited for rescuers.
The coroner ruled Pederson’s death a homicide due to multiple injuries. She worked as a pediatrician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A GoFundMe page has been created in support of her family, where Pederson is described as a «dedicated pediatrician who cared for children and supported families who entrusted her with their health».
In addition to charges of homicide, abuse of a corpse, and arson, Gatto is also charged with tampering with physical evidence and endangering the welfare of a child. It is unclear whether he has hired an attorney.
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
