California Farmer Accused of Murdering Wife in Arizona

A California farmer has been arrested in connection with his wife’s murder.

According to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, on November 20, 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Bruin Way and Branding Iron Loop in Pinetop, Arizona, and confirmed a homicide involving 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti of Pinetop, Arizona, who died from a gunshot wound.

On December 2, 2025, detectives served multiple search warrants on residences, properties, vehicles, and camp trailers associated with the Abatti family in El Centro, California.

As the investigation continued, a significant amount of evidence was seized, some of which is still being analyzed, leading the detectives to identify 63-year-old Michael Abatti of El Centro, California, as the suspect in the murder of Kerri Ann.

Detectives worked with multiple police agencies in the state of Arizona and in the state of California to develop information and evidence leading to probable cause to believe that Michael Abatti traveled from the state of California on November 20, 2025, to Pinetop, Arizona, where he is believed to have shot and killed Kerri Ann, and then immediately returned to California.

On December 23, 2025, detectives provided testimony to the Navajo County Grand Jury and obtained an indictment and an arrest warrant issued by the Navajo County Superior Court.

Michael Abatti was taken into custody on the 100 block of McCabe Road, El Centro, California, on December 23, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m. (PST) and was booked into the Imperial County Jail on charges of violating Arizona Revised Statutes 13 – 1105, First Degree Murder, a class one felony, and is awaiting extradition to the state of Arizona.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Kerri’s family and to all those affected by this tragedy. The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the cooperation of the other police agencies that worked countless hours alongside our Detectives,” stated Sheriff David M. Clouse. The Sheriff’s Office would also like to recognize the men and women who served on the Grand Jury who heard the evidence and concluded that an indictment was appropriate in this case, helping to bring justice to the Abatti family.”