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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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47 Articles

Fox NewsFox News
+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Right

California farming tycoon arrested in wife's killing

Michael Abatti charged with first-degree murder in shooting death of wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, as the two were in the midst of divorce proceedings.

·New York, United States
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CNNCNN
+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Lean Left

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 NewsAssociated Press News
+20 Reposted by 20 other sources
Lean Left

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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ivpressonline.com broke the news in on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
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