Dr Julia Pederson, a 41-year-old Pennsylvania pediatrician, reportedly told relatives she feared she was being drugged in the weeks before she was found dead at her Harrisburg home.
According to a search warrant obtained by PennLive, Pederson sent her mother a message on September 10 saying she could barely walk, felt groggy and suspected she had been drugged.
She also said she had been forced to cancel five patient appointments because of her condition.
Pederson was found dead at approximately 7.05am on October 10 after a fire broke out at the couple’s home.
A medical examiner subsequently ruled her death a homicide, determining that she had died before the fire was started.
Her estranged husband, Jonathan Gatto, 42, has been charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse and other offences.
Colleague Reported Doctor Became Ill After Drinking Beverages
A colleague told investigators that Gatto and the couple’s seven-year-old daughter brought drinks to Pederson daily, despite the doctor not wanting them, according to the search warrant.
The colleague reportedly said Pederson would become lethargic, experience migraine symptoms and feel dizzy after consuming the beverages.
The warrant also stated that Pederson had to lie down on the floor of her office on October 9.
She had arranged to undergo blood tests the following day but never attended the appointment because she was found dead that morning.
Investigators requested DNA samples from family members and sought permission to collect any water bottles, water containers and food containers that Pederson might have used.
They also requested a search for flammable liquid containers, flammable chemicals, security camera footage and documents relating to the couple’s relationship.
Husband Was Arrested Three Days After Her Death
Gatto was arrested on October 13 and charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse and other offences.
He was denied bail because of the severity of the charges and is being held at Dauphin County Prison.
An autopsy conducted on the day of his arrest found that Pederson had died from multiple traumatic injuries.
Two days later, the district attorney and Harrisburg police officers returned to the couple’s home.
An officer wearing a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) vest was also seen at the property.
Investigators spent just over an hour at the home and were observed carrying cardboard boxes and paper bags, PennLive reported.
Husband Described Events Before the Fire
According to an affidavit obtained by WGAL, Gatto told police that he and Pederson had been experiencing marital difficulties and intended to separate.
He said they had been discussing how to explain the situation to their daughter.
Gatto reportedly told investigators that Pederson had been unwell on October 9 after starting new medication for her migraines.
He also said he heard a loud noise around 11pm or midnight that sounded like someone falling down the stairs.
According to an account reported by WHP, Gatto said he asked Pederson whether she was all right, but she allegedly mumbled before closing the bedroom door.
Legal documents also state that Gatto returned to the bedroom at around 2am to bring his wife ibuprofen.
He allegedly said she appeared startled, prompting him to return to bed.
Investigators Determined Fire Was Deliberately Set
Gatto told police that he later woke up when the smoke detectors sounded and rushed to the downstairs bedroom to rescue the couple’s daughter.
According to the affidavit, he said he then attempted to return for Pederson but burned his hand while trying to enter the bedroom.
He claimed the fire prevented him from reaching her, and he waited outside for emergency responders.
Investigators described the blaze as very small, while a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal concluded after inspecting the scene that it had been deliberately set.
Firefighters reported seeing light smoke coming from the property.
Blood tests indicated that Pederson was already dead before the fire began, supporting the medical examiner’s determination that her death preceded the blaze.
First responders performed CPR before taking her to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Pediatrician Had Graduated From Harvard and Stanford
Pederson graduated from Harvard University and earned her medical degree from Stanford University’s School of Medicine.
She subsequently completed her paediatric residency at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
She joined the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s (UPMC) Children’s Community Pediatrics team in February.
In a statement to CBS 21, UPMC said it was deeply saddened by her death and described her as a beloved pediatrician and a valued member of its 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 organisation said.
