Jonathan Gatto, 41, is charged with murder and arson in the death of his wife, Julia Pederson, 41, according to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Investigators allege Gatto strangled Pederson inside their Harrisburg, Pennsylvania home and then intentionally set the structure on fire on Saturday, Oct. 10. Gatto was arrested four days later and is currently being held in a Dauphin County jail cell with no bond. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 28.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Police stated that the investigation revealed Pederson's death was not caused by the fire. Reports from KATV indicate that the couple's 7-year-old daughter was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom at the time of the incident.
Pederson completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard University before earning her medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine. She held certification from the American Board of Pediatrics. Prior to her current role, she provided pediatric care across various organizations in Pennsylvania, California and Chicago. She began her position at UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics in February, according to a Facebook post by the practice.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics described Pederson as a beloved pediatrician and valued team member. The spokesperson said the practice is deeply saddened by her passing and noted that her loss is felt by colleagues, patients and the communities she served. The statement also asked that the privacy of Pederson's family, friends and loved ones be respected during this time.
An obituary for Pederson stated that through her medical career, she devoted herself to the health and well-being of children, providing care and support to families who placed their trust in her.