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Michael Abatti, California Farming Magnate, Arrested in Arizona in Estranged Wife's Shooting Death
Michael Abatti was indicted for first-degree murder after evidence showed he traveled from California to Arizona to kill his estranged wife amid a bitter divorce dispute.
- On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Michael Abatti, 63, was arrested without incident in the 100 block of McCabe Road, El Centro, and booked into the Imperial County Jail on a first-degree murder charge.
- Prosecutors allege cross‑state travel to commit the killing on Nov. 20, when Abatti drove from California to Pinetop, Arizona, shot Kerri Ann Abatti, then returned the same day, prompting a multi‑state investigation.
- Court filings show the couple were in pending divorce proceedings with three children, and Kerri sought increases from $5,000 to $30,000 in monthly support and $100,000 in attorney fees, while Abatti cited about $22,000 farm income.
- Per court filings, Abatti faces a First‑Degree Murder charge under Arizona law, and a Navajo County grand jury returned an indictment on December 23, 2025, with an arrest warrant issued by the Navajo County Superior Court. He was booked in Imperial County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Arizona.
- First responders arrived after a 911 call and found the victim with a gunshot wound; Swanty said, `She was pronounced deceased while en route to the hospital`, and Sheriff Clouse extended condolences.
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California farmer arrested on suspicion of murder in wife’s death in Arizona
Prominent California farmer Michael Abatti was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife, Kerri, in a remote mountain community in Arizona, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said.
·Atlanta, United States
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Associated Press News+20 Reposted by 20 other sources
California farmer arrested on suspicion of murder in wife's death in Arizona
Authorities say a prominent California farmer has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife. Michael Abatti was arrested Tuesday.
·United States
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Total News Sources47
Leaning Left13Leaning Right7Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 36%
C 44%
R 20%
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