PINETOP, Ariz. — Authorities have arrested Imperial Valley farmer and El Centro resident Michael Abatti, 63, in connection with the November 20 murder of his ex-wife, 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti, in Pinetop, Arizona, according to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
Details of the Investigation
Deputies responded to a homicide report around 9:20 p.m. on November 20 in the area of Bruin Way and Branding Iron Loop in Pinetop, where they discovered Kerri Ann Abatti dead from a gunshot wound.
Detectives with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office launched an extensive investigation that involved processing multiple crime scenes and seizing critical evidence.
By early December, detectives executed several search warrants across residences, vehicles, and properties connected to the Abatti family in El Centro, California. Evidence obtained from those searches, some still under analysis, helped investigators identify Michael Abatti as the primary suspect in his ex-wife’s killing.
Arrest and Extradition
On Tuesday, December 23, at about 3:20 p.m., deputies arrested Abatti in the 100 block of McCabe Road in El Centro. He was booked into the Imperial County Jail on a first-degree murder charge under Arizona Revised Statutes 13–1105, a Class One felony, and is awaiting extradition to Arizona.
According to investigators, Abatti allegedly traveled from California to Pinetop on November 20, where he shot and killed Kerri Ann Abatti, before immediately returning to California.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following the investigation, the Navajo County Grand Jury heard testimony from detectives on December 23, ultimately issuing an indictment and arrest warrant for Abatti’s arrest.
Sheriff’s Statement
“We extend our sincere condolences to Kerri’s family and to all those affected by this tragedy,” said Sheriff David M. Clouse in a press release. “The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the cooperation of the other police agencies that worked countless hours alongside our detectives.”
Sheriff Clouse also expressed appreciation to Imperial County Sheriff Fred Miramontes and District Attorney George Marquez, as well as the numerous Arizona and California agencies that collaborated on the investigation.
Ongoing Case
Abatti remains in custody without bond, awaiting extradition proceedings to face murder charges in Arizona. The investigation into the case — including analysis of seized evidence — remains active. Stay with HonkNews.com for continued coverage and updates on the Abatti murder investigation as new details emerge.