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Searches Executed at California Farming Mogul’s Properties After Estranged Wife Fatally Shot; Investigation Ongoing

12:36 PM, 12/05/2025
Searches Executed at California Farming Mogul’s Properties After Estranged Wife Fatally Shot; Investigation Ongoing

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants on Dec. 2 at properties tied to California farmer Mike Abatti after his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, was fatally shot on Nov. 20 in Pinetop, Arizona. Authorities are treating the death as a homicide but have not named any suspects, and Mike Abatti has not been identified as one. Kerri Ann filed for divorce in October 2023 after 31 years of marriage and had interim spousal support; she was expected to seek a larger monthly award after reviewing the couple’s assets. The searches targeted an El Centro residence, two camp trailers and two vehicles as part of the active investigation.

Authorities Search Properties Linked to Mike Abatti After Wife's Death

Detectives with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) executed search warrants on Dec. 2 at several properties tied to California farming businessman Mike Abatti as part of an ongoing homicide investigation, authorities said. Warrants covered Abatti’s El Centro residence on Aurora Drive, two camp trailers and two vehicles registered to the Abatti family, according to an NCSO press release and reporting by The Los Angeles Times.

Homicide Investigation Underway
Investigators confirmed they are treating the death of 58-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti as a homicide. Kerri Ann was shot at approximately 9 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the couple’s home in Pinetop, Arizona. As of the department’s Dec. 3 statement, no suspects had been identified and Mike Abatti had not been named as a suspect.

Divorce And Financial Context
Kerri Ann filed for divorce in October 2023 after about 31 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. Court records show interim spousal support had been set at $6,400 per month; after a review of the couple’s holdings in California, Arizona and Wyoming, reporting indicates she was expected to seek a substantially larger monthly award — roughly $30,000.

Background
Mike and Kerri Ann Abatti married in April 1992 and co-owned Mike Abatti Farms in El Centro since 1999. The Abatti family has roots in California’s Imperial Valley stretching back about a century. Local reporting has also documented Mike Abatti’s involvement in multimillion-dollar environmental lawsuits in recent years that expanded his groundwater pumping rights and influence over regional water-use decisions.

Philanthropy And Next Steps
Before their separation, the couple donated $50,000 to San Diego State University to establish a scholarship in Kerri Ann’s name. The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and representatives for Mike Abatti Farms were contacted for comment; the investigation remains active and officials say searches were carried out based on evidence developed by detectives.

Sources: Navajo County Sheriff’s Office statement; The Los Angeles Times; The Arizona Republic; The Desert Sun; PEOPLE.

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