Pennsylvania pediatrician reported feeling drugged before estranged husband allegedly murdered her and set fire
Dr. Julia Pederson told her mother she felt groggy and unable to walk weeks before her estranged husband, Jonathan Gatto, was charged with her murder and arson.
Julia Pederson, a 41-year-old pediatrician in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, messaged her mother a month before her death saying she felt “drugged,” could barely walk, and had to cancel five patient appointments. She intended to undergo bloodwork on Oct. 10 to investigate the symptoms. Colleagues reported that Pederson’s daughter regularly brought drinks to her at the clinic, which Pederson said she did not want but that her estranged husband, Jonathan Gatto, allegedly compelled her to accept.
On Oct. 10, Gatto is accused of strangling Pederson and then setting their house ablaze while their 7-year-old daughter slept. He was charged with murder last week. The case highlights concerns about domestic abuse and possible poisoning prior to the homicide.
Why it matters
The case underscores the dangers of domestic violence and potential covert poisoning before a fatal attack.
In this story
