PINETOP, Ariz. — A renowned California farmer has been arrested and charged with murder following the fatal shooting of his estranged wife. Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, was found dead in her home in Pinetop on Nov. 20, prompting a thorough investigation by local authorities.
Michael Abatti, 63, from El Centro, California, was taken into custody after a grand jury issued an indictment against him. Navajo County Sheriff’s deputies believe he traveled to Arizona from California on the day of the shooting, committed the crime, and returned shortly afterward.
The investigation escalated on Dec. 2, when officials searched multiple properties connected to the Abatti family in California. Evidence gathered during this time supported the allegations against Michael Abatti, leading to law enforcement’s decision to seek a warrant for his arrest.
Sheriff David M. Clouse expressed condolences to Kerri Abatti’s family, acknowledging the sorrow caused by her death. He also commended the grand jurors for their role in advancing the case toward justice.
Michael Abatti comes from a prominent farming lineage, with the family actively involved in agricultural enterprises and community initiatives. He and Kerri Abatti, who married in 1992, had been embroiled in divorce proceedings since last year.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have emphasized the importance of the evidence gathered, which they believe firmly implicates Michael Abatti. He is currently in a California jail, awaiting extradition to Arizona where he will face a first-degree murder charge.
This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the local community, as friends and family grapple with the loss of Kerri Abatti, remembered by many for her standing in the community. The case continues to unfold, with investigators working diligently to reveal more details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting.