Michael Abatti, 63, pleaded not guilty on Dec. 31 to a first-degree murder charge after being extradited from El Centro to Arizona. He is accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, at their Pinetop home on Nov. 20 and is being held on $5.5 million bail. Searches of properties in El Centro reportedly produced significant evidence that led to his arrest. A pretrial conference and release hearing are scheduled for March 17.
Prominent California Farmer Pleads Not Guilty in Alleged Murder of Estranged Wife — Held on $5.5M Bail
Imperial County Sheriff's Office
Michael Abatti, a 63-year-old California farmer, pleaded not guilty on Dec. 31 to a first-degree murder charge in Navajo County Superior Court after being extradited from El Centro, California, authorities said.
Case Overview
Prosecutors allege Abatti fatally shot his estranged wife, 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti, at the couple's second home in Pinetop, Arizona, on Nov. 20. Investigators say Abatti traveled from El Centro to Pinetop the same day, then returned to California. He was arrested in El Centro last month and transported to Arizona to face charges.
Abatti is being held at the Navajo County Jail on a $5.5 million bond, according to the Navajo County Attorney's Office. Local reporting indicates the couple owned Abatti Farms in El Centro; divorce filings obtained by The Desert Sun say Kerri moved to the Pinetop home after the couple separated and that she left in August 2023 while Michael was on a fishing trip.
Evidence and Investigations
The Navajo County Sheriff's Office said searches of residences, properties, vehicles and camp trailers associated with the Abatti family in El Centro produced what investigators described as a "significant amount of evidence" that led to Michael Abatti's arrest. Officials have not publicly detailed the specific items seized.
Defense Statement
"At this time we are asking the public to withhold judgement," defense attorney Danni Iredale told PEOPLE. "For decades he's been a pillar of the community, contributing to charitable causes and he's entitled to a fair shake in our justice system just as anyone who stands accused of a serious crime is."
Abatti's lawyers, Owen Roth and Danni Iredale, have expressed concern about his health and said that, if released, he would continue medical treatment and comply with bond conditions.
Officials' Comments and Motive
"The only thing that's glaring that I think everybody already knows, there's a divorce in place and they weren't able to come to a resolution," Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse said at a press conference. He also said investigators have not confirmed a motive publicly.
Next Steps
A pretrial conference and a release hearing are scheduled for March 17 in Navajo County Superior Court. Prosecutors will continue their review of evidence as the case moves forward.
Note: This article summarizes publicly available reporting and official statements. Details may change as the investigation and legal process continue.
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