A husband allegedly strangled his paediatrician wife before setting her body on fire inside their home while their seven-year-old daughter slept upstairs.
Jonathan Gatto has been charged with murder following the death of his 41-year-old wife, Julia Pederson.
He is also facing charges including arson-related offences, tampering with evidence, endangering the welfare of a child and abuse of a corpse, according to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE.
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Police were called to the couple’s home shortly after 7am on 10 October following reports of a fire.
Firefighters found Pederson unresponsive inside the property and she was taken to hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators later determined the blaze had been deliberately started in a downstairs bedroom.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, a blood test established that Pederson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was already dead before the fire began.
An autopsy concluded she had been strangled to death.
Gatto allegedly told investigators that his marriage was “not good” and the couple were separating but had been trying to work out how to break the news to their daughter.
He claimed Pederson had returned home from work the previous day feeling unwell and had been taking medication for migraines.
Later that evening, he allegedly heard a loud noise resembling someone tumbling down the stairs.
According to the affidavit, Gatto said he went to the landing overlooking the basement but saw nothing.
He claimed he asked Pederson if she was okay, heard her mumble something and then heard her bedroom door close.
He also told investigators he woke at around 2am to offer her medication, but she said she did not want any.
Gatto allegedly said he was later woken by smoke alarms and immediately went to rescue his daughter from upstairs before calling 911.
He claimed he then went back inside to get his wife but burnt his hand while reaching through a bedroom door and had to retreat.
The couple’s daughter was asleep upstairs when the alleged killing took place, according to the complaint.
Pederson’s sister, Abbey, has organised a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and establish a scholarship fund for her niece’s future.
The appeal said: “Julia Pederson was a beloved friend, daughter, sister, wife, and mother whose passing has left a profound loss for everyone who knew and loved her.
“As our family navigates this heartbreaking time, we have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, colleagues, and the community.
“Many people have reached out asking how they can help support Julia’s family, and this fundraiser was created to give them a way to do so.
“Julia was a dedicated pediatrician, certified in general pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.
“After graduating from Harvard University, she earned her medical degree from Stanford School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Northwestern’s Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
“Through her work, Julia devoted herself to caring for children and supporting the families who trusted her with their care.
“Beyond her career, Julia cherished the simple joys of life.
“She lived in Harrisburg with her family and enjoyed exploring local nature preserves, reading, and learning to crochet.
“She was so much more than her professional accomplishments, she was a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mother whose presence and love meant so much to those closest to her.
“Julia leaves behind her daughter, who is in second grade.
“As family faces life without Julia, we hope to surround them with the same compassion and care that Julia shared with others throughout her life.”
At the time of writing, the fundraiser had reached $26,036 (£19,532).
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