On December 30, 2025, at approximately 3:55 p.m., the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) successfully extradited Michael Abatti in connection with the death of his wife in Pinetop, Arizona.
According to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Abatti was transported from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Jail in El Centro, California, to Holbrook, Arizona. The extradition was completed without incident. Upon arrival, Abatti was booked into the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Jail on the following charge:
• A.R.S. § 13-1105 – First Degree Murder (Class 1 Felony)
On November 20, 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Navajo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Bruin Way and Branding Iron Loop in Pinetop, and confirmed a homicide involving 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti, 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.
Abatti is scheduled to appear for an initial appearance before Navajo County Division III Judge Saline at 9:30 a.m.