HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — The husband of a Harrisburg doctor who died following a house fire this past weekend is now facing homicide and aggravated arson charges in connection to her death, according to court documents.
The Dauphin County Coroner’s Office said Harrisburg resident Dr. Julia Pederson, 41, died after a house fire on Green Street.
The home on Green Street was blocked off with police tape on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, after a fatal fire. (WHP)
According to an affidavit, after the fire, officials determined it had been intentionally set. They said the blaze was small, reportedly contained to a bedroom in the lower level of the home.
Officials said Pederson’s husband, Jonathan Gatto, is accused of strangling her and then setting her on fire while their 7-year-old daughter was asleep.
Tests from Pederson’s blood also reportedly showed she had been dead before the blaze began.
During a police interview, Gatto reportedly told officers that their marriage was not good, and they had intended on getting a separation, and were reportedly trying to figure out how to talk to their daughter about it.
Julia Pederson and family (GoFundMe)
Gatto allegedly said that on October 9, Pederson was supposed to take their daughter to ballet, but was not feeling well due to a new medication.
He allegedly told police that later that night he heard what sounded like someone falling down the stairs, but didn’t find anything. He then reportedly asked Pederson if she was okay, and she allegedly mumbled and closed her bedroom door.
Officials said Gatto then stated he set an alarm to bring her Ibuprofen around 2 a.m., but upon entering her room she was startled, and he went back to sleep.
After that, he reportedly told police he was awoken by the smoke detectors going off and rushed to get their daughter out of her room. He allegedly told officials he called 911 and then ran back inside to get Pederson, but when reaching into her room, he burned his hand.
According to an affidavit, police said on October 13 the coroner ruled her cause of death as homicide by multiple traumatic injuries.
Gatto is now facing multiple charges, including first degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, endangering the welfare of children, arson, and aggravated arson.
Neighbors react
Neighbors shaken up by the news.
“The neighbors are so sad and shocked because it happened to to to a family that you just would think is very, upstanding and normal, I guess, and kind because they always were very kind and nice. And they have a little girl and she’s sweet and adorable,” Chris Purcell said.
“This is just so sad,” neighbor Roy Christ said. “You feel bad for the family. You feel bad for this poor child. You know what? What’s her life going to be like?”
They went on to describe the times they saw the three out together.
“They would wave and be happy out playing with their daughter and stuff in the yard,” Christ said. “And we would walk the dog and just wave and stuff. So, you know, I, I can’t make a judgment.”
“Sweet lady and her daughter is a darling little girl, and Jonathan, he and I always got along very well, he was always kind and nice and polite. It’s completely shocking and surprising and it’s very heartbreaking,” Purcell said.
Julia Pederson and family (GoFundMe)
GoFundMe Set Up
A GoFundMe has been set up in memory of Dr. Pederson to support her family and school expenses for her daughter.
In the GoFundMe, Pederson is described as being heavily accomplished, with degrees from Harvard and Northwestern.
Her family wrote that she loved nature, crocheting, reading, and devoted herself to supporting children and families.
Thank you for the kindness, prayers, generosity, and love you have shown Julia and her family. During this unimaginable time, your support means more than words can express. Together, we hope to honor Julia’s life, preserve her memory, and help care for the people she loved most.
To view the GoFundMe, click here.