Investigators returned to the Harrisburg home seeking food and water containers after learning of Dr. Julia Pederson’s concerns.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania pediatrician feared her husband might be drugging her in the days before authorities say he killed her and intentionally set a fire in their home, according to Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo.
Dr. Julia Pederson, 41, had planned to undergo bloodwork because of those concerns but did not make it to the appointment, Chardo said. Investigators later returned to the family’s Green Street home with a search warrant seeking bottles of water, other water containers, food containers and other possible evidence. Authorities have not publicly announced any laboratory or toxicology finding showing that Pederson had been drugged.
Pederson’s husband, Jonathan Gatto, 41, was arrested Oct. 14 and charged with murder and several other offenses in connection with her death. Police have also accused him of abuse of a corpse, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, endangering the welfare of a child, arson and aggravated arson. The charges are allegations, and Gatto has not been convicted.
Emergency crews responded to a reported fire at the couple’s home in the 2900 block of Green Street on the morning of Oct. 10. Pederson was found unresponsive. Investigators later determined that the fire did not cause her death, and an autopsy found she died from multiple traumatic injuries. Her death was ruled a homicide, according to authorities and court records described by news organizations covering the case.
Investigators allege that Gatto strangled Pederson and then deliberately started the fire. Authorities said the couple’s 7-year-old daughter was asleep inside the house at the time. Fire investigators determined that the blaze had been intentionally set and was concentrated in a lower-level bedroom. The child was able to get out of the home and was not reported physically injured.
According to an affidavit of probable cause described in published reports, Gatto told investigators that his marriage to Pederson was troubled and that the couple planned to separate. He said they were trying to decide how to tell their daughter. Gatto also told police that Pederson had not been feeling well before the fire and had recently begun taking medication for migraines.
Gatto told investigators he heard a noise late that night that sounded like someone falling down the stairs but did not find anyone there. He also said he later entered Pederson’s room to offer her medication before returning to sleep. According to his account, smoke detectors later awakened him, and he took the couple’s daughter outside before calling 911. Investigators allege that forensic and other evidence showed Pederson had already died before the fire began.
The disclosure that Pederson feared she might be drugged has added another line of inquiry to the investigation. Chardo said investigators sought food and water containers from the home after learning about Pederson’s concerns. Authorities have not said publicly what items were seized, whether testing has been completed or whether any substance has been found that Pederson did not knowingly take.
Pederson worked as a pediatrician with UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics. In a statement reported by local news outlets, UPMC described her as a beloved physician who devoted her career to caring for children and supporting families. Published reports said she was educated at Harvard University and Stanford University School of Medicine before completing pediatric training and later practicing in Pennsylvania.
Gatto remains accused in the homicide as investigators continue examining evidence from the Green Street home and the circumstances surrounding Pederson’s health concerns before her death. A preliminary hearing was reported as scheduled for Oct. 28. Authorities have not announced whether the investigation into Pederson’s reported fear of being drugged will result in additional charges.
Author note: Last updated October 18, 2026.