EL CENTRO, Calif. — A well-known California farmer was arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife at their vacation home in Arizona, according to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
Michael Abatti, 63, faces a first-degree murder charge following the death of Kerri Ann Abatti, 59. Authorities claim he traveled to Pinetop, Arizona, on November 20, where Kerri was found dead in the couple’s vacation residence. He was apprehended in El Centro, where he is currently held pending extradition to Arizona.
Following Kerri Abatti’s death, investigators executed a search warrant at her husband’s home in Southern California on December 2. Details surrounding the incident remain sparse, with Michael Abatti’s attorney not immediately available for comment.
Michael Abatti comes from a long lineage of farmers in the Imperial Valley, a region renowned for its agricultural output, especially leafy greens and melons. His family’s farming roots date back to early settlers, including his grandfather, an Italian immigrant. His father, Ben Abatti, was instrumental in founding the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association, cementing the family’s influence on local agricultural practices.
Michael has a history in the farming industry, having served on the board of the Imperial Irrigation District from 2006 to 2010. Despite their lengthy marriage, the couple separated in 2023, and Kerri had initiated divorce proceedings shortly before her death. She cited significant financial disparities in their lifestyle during the marriage, highlighting their ownership of multiple properties and vacations abroad.
During their divorce proceedings, Kerri sought an increase in temporary spousal support from $5,000 to $30,000 per month. She argued that the amount was necessary to maintain her standard of living, which had included a substantial home and private schooling for their children. In contrast, Michael Abatti claimed financial difficulties arising from challenges in the agricultural market hindered his ability to afford the requested increase.
Recent filings show that Michael Abatti struggled with farming profitability, citing crop conditions and rising operational costs as aggravating factors. He detailed how an acre of wheat had costly cultivation expenses but minimal returns, leading to significant financial strain.
The couple had three children together and shared a life that spanned decades, marked by significant achievements and community ties. Kerri Abatti was a descendant of early settlers in Pinetop and had familial connections to the late 1800s. As legal battles unfolded, Kerri also claimed to be managing the maintenance of their Arizona property while living near her elderly parents.
As the case evolves, Michael Abatti awaits extradition to Arizona, where further legal proceedings will determine his fate. The unfolding tragedy has sent ripples through the agricultural community, where the Abatti name carries a legacy intertwined with the rich farming heritage of the Imperial Valley.