Man has been charged with the murder of his wife after investigators determined that she had been strangled before her body was set on fire inside their family home while their seven-year-old daughter was sleeping upstairs.
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The suspect, identified as Jonathan Gatto, is facing charges over the death of his 41-year-old wife, Julia Pederson, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
In addition to murder, Gatto is facing other charges, including arson-related offences, tampering with evidence, endangering the welfare of a child and abuse of a corpse.
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According to reports, the incident occurred on October 10, when police were called to the couple’s home at around 7 a.m. Julia was found unresponsive and rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators later determined that the fire had been deliberately started in a downstairs bedroom. An affidavit of probable cause stated that blood testing established Julia was already dead before the fire began, while an autopsy revealed that she had been strangled.
During questioning, Gatto reportedly told investigators that his marriage to Julia had been troubled and that they had been discussing how to tell their daughter about their plans to separate.
He also claimed that Julia returned home from work the previous day feeling unwell and had taken medication for her migraines.
According to the affidavit, Gatto told investigators that he later heard noises coming from upstairs, including what he described as someone trembling down the stairs. He said he went to the landing overlooking the basement but did not see anyone.
He further claimed that he asked Julia if she was okay after hearing her mumble something, before hearing her bedroom door close.
Gatto also told investigators that he woke up at around 2 a.m. to offer his wife medication, but she declined.
He reportedly claimed that smoke alarms later woke him up, prompting him to rush upstairs to rescue their daughter before calling 911.
He reportedly claimed that smoke alarms later woke him up, prompting him to rush upstairs to rescue their daughter before calling 911.
According to his account, he then attempted to return inside to save Julia but burnt his hand while reaching through a bedroom door and was forced to retreat.
The couple’s seven-year-old daughter was reportedly asleep upstairs when the alleged killing took place.
Meanwhile, Julia’s sister, Abbey, has organised a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and establish a scholarship fund for her niece.
In the appeal, the family described Julia as a beloved friend, daughter, sister, wife and mother whose death had left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her.
The statement also expressed gratitude for the support received from relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the community during the difficult period.
Julia was a dedicated paediatrician who was certified in general paediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. She graduated from Harvard University before earning her medical degree from Stanford School of Medicine.