A 42-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of his wife, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center pediatrician Dr Julia Pederson, whose body was discovered after a fire at their Harrisburg home.
Jonathan Gatto was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the death of Pederson, 41, who was found at the property on the 2900 block of Green Street at approximately 7.05am on Saturday.
In addition to first-degree murder, Gatto faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, endangering the welfare of children, arson and aggravated arson.
Harrisburg police said their investigation determined that Pederson’s death was not caused by the fire.
Autopsy Found Doctor Died Before Fire
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday found that Pederson died from traumatic injuries before the fire began. Her death was subsequently ruled a homicide.
Investigators described the blaze as very small, while a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal concluded after examining the scene that it had been deliberately set.
Firefighters reported seeing light smoke coming from the property when they arrived. Emergency responders performed CPR on Pederson before taking her to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Husband Gave Police Account of Events
According to an affidavit reported by local media, Gatto told investigators that he and his wife had been experiencing marital difficulties and intended to separate. The couple had reportedly been discussing how to explain the situation to their seven-year-old daughter.
Gatto allegedly told police that Pederson had been unwell on October 9 after beginning new medication for migraines.
He said he heard a loud noise around 11pm or midnight that sounded like someone falling down the stairs. According to the affidavit, he asked Pederson whether she was alright, and she allegedly mumbled before closing the bedroom door.
Gatto also reportedly told investigators that he returned to the bedroom at around 2am to bring his wife ibuprofen. He claimed she startled him, prompting him to return to bed.
He later said he woke up when the smoke detectors sounded and went downstairs to retrieve the couple’s daughter from a bedroom.
According to his account, he then attempted to return for Pederson but burned his hand while trying to enter the room because of the fire. He said he waited outside for emergency crews.
However, blood tests indicated that Pederson was already dead before the fire started, according to the reported affidavit.
Prosecutors Describe Circumstances as Devastating
Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo described the circumstances surrounding Pederson’s death as devastating.
Speaking about domestic violence cases, Chardo said such incidents could occur suddenly and without warning, according to WGAL.
Gatto has been denied bail and was being held at Dauphin County Prison as of Wednesday, according to Pennsylvania court records.
He is scheduled to appear in court on October 28 for a preliminary hearing. Court records did not list an attorney for him, and filings indicated that he had not requested a public defender.
Fundraiser Established for Doctor’s Daughter
A fundraising campaign launched by Pederson’s sister, Abbey, is intended to help cover funeral expenses and establish a scholarship fund for the doctor’s daughter, who is in the second grade.
The campaign had raised approximately $23,800 as of Thursday.
Pederson graduated from Harvard University before earning her medical degree from Stanford University’s School of Medicine. She completed her paediatric residency at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
UPMC Mourns Loss of Paediatrician
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said it was deeply saddened by Pederson’s death, describing her as a beloved paediatrician and a valued member of its 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,” the medical centre said in a statement reported by CBS21.
According to a post shared by UPMC on Facebook, Pederson joined the organisation in February.
The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office were contacted for further comment, according to the Daily Mail.
