Michael Abatti, California farming magnate, arrested in Arizona in estranged wife’s shooting death

A well-known farmer from California, Michael Abatti, has been taken into custody on suspicion of murdering his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, according to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest was made in El Centro, California where Abatti resides, and he is currently facing a first-degree murder charge with pending extradition to Arizona. The victim, Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, was found dead in her family’s vacation home in Pinetop, Arizona in November. The couple had separated and Kerri had moved to Arizona following the split.

Authorities conducted a search of Michael Abatti’s home in Southern California as part of the investigation into his wife’s death. The arrest came after a Navajo County grand jury indicted Abatti and issued an arrest warrant. The couple had been married since 1992 and shared three children together.

Michael Abatti hails from a family with a long history of farming in the Imperial Valley region near Arizona. His grandfather was among the early settlers in the area, and his father played a key role in agricultural associations. Abatti himself has been involved in farming various crops and served on agricultural boards in the region.

Kerri Abatti, on the other hand, was a descendant of one of the first families to settle in Pinetop. Following their split in 2023, she filed for divorce citing financial disagreements. Court documents revealed that the couple had a lavish lifestyle during their marriage, owning multiple properties and traveling extensively. Kerri had requested an increase in spousal support due to her inability to maintain her standard of living after quitting her job to care for their children.

Michael Abatti, in response, cited financial difficulties in the farming business as the reason for his inability to meet the requested support amount. Despite the challenges, he agreed to increase the temporary spousal support payments to a certain amount. Abatti had a near-death experience in 2009 due to a severe infection, as documented by a college friend in a book about water issues.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the prominent status of the individuals involved and the tragic circumstances surrounding Kerri Abatti’s death. The legal proceedings are ongoing as Michael Abatti awaits extradition to face the murder charge in Arizona.