A highly-regarded pediatrician, mother and wife was murdered by her husband, investigators say.
Julia Pederson, 41, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was killed after police say her husband, Jonathan Gatto, 41, strangled her inside the family’s home and intentionally set it on fire.
Authorities said the fire happened on Saturday, Oct. 10. Four days later, Gatto was arrested and charged with murder and arson, among other charges.
TEXAS DAD FACES MURDER CHARGE AFTER ESTRANGED WIFE FOUND DEAD AT SUBURBAN HOME: POLICE
The Harrisburg Bureau of Police said, « The investigation ultimately revealed that the death of the victim, a 41-year-old female, was not caused by a fire. »
Reports say the couple’s 7-year-old daughter was also sleeping in an upstairs bedroom at the time of the incident, according to KATV.
FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X
PITTSBURGH DOCTOR STABBED TO DEATH AFTER INTRUDER ALLEGEDLY ATTACKS HIM, WIFE AS THEY SLEPT: POLICE
Pederson was an American Board of Pediatrics-certified pediatrician who earned her medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine. She earned her undergrad from Harvard University.
📩 Send me a story idea: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv
🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns
SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE FOX TRUE CRIME HUB
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Community Pediatrics posted on Facebook that Pederson had started her position there in February.
SEND US A TIP
In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for UPMC CCP said:
« 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. »
SUSPECT IN PITTSBURGH DOCTOR’S MURDER HAD BEEN RELEASED WITHOUT BAIL ON PRIOR BURGLARY CHARGE: COURT DOCS
Prior to her recent position, she provided pediatric care across various organizations in Pennsylvania, California and Chicago.
LISTEN TO THE NEW ‘CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO’ PODCAST
An obituary for Pederson says, « 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. »
GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL
Gatto is currently sitting in a Dauphin County jail cell with no bond. His next court date is Oct. 28.
Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/us/ivy-league-educated-pediatrician-allegedly-murdered-husband-set-home-fire-police
Author :
Publish date : 2026-10-16 17:26:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
