California Farming Tycoon Michael Abatti Arrested for Wife’s Murder Amid Divorce Dispute
EL CENTRO, Calif. — Michael Abatti, a prominent California farming tycoon, was arrested on December 24, 2025, on suspicion of murdering his wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, in an Arizona mountain town where the couple had been embroiled in a contentious divorce. The 63-year-old was taken into custody following a grand jury indictment issued by Navajo County Superior Court after detectives presented evidence linking him to the fatal shooting that occurred on November 20 in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona.
Deputies from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 9:20 p.m. and discovered Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, deceased from a gunshot wound. Less than two weeks later, on December 2, law enforcement executed search warrants on multiple properties, vehicles, and camp trailers associated with the Abatti family in El Centro, California, where Michael Abatti has long operated one of the largest agricultural enterprises in the Imperial Valley.
Michael Abatti, who has a history of service on the Imperial Irrigation District board from 2006 to 2010, is known for cultivating crops such as onions, broccoli, and cantaloupes. The couple, married since 1992, had three children and had been navigating a difficult separation since Kerri Ann moved back to her hometown of Pinetop-Lakeside in 2023.
According to court filings obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Kerri Ann Abatti accused her husband of obstructing her access to financial information and making unilateral changes to their assets during their divorce proceedings. She also expressed difficulties managing the temporary spousal support awarded by the court.
Following the grand jury’s indictment, Michael Abatti was booked into the Imperial County Jail on charges of first-degree murder under Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1105. Authorities are currently arranging his extradition to Arizona to face trial. Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse extended condolences to the Abatti family and acknowledged the efforts of investigators and the grand jury in pursuing justice.
This case has drawn attention not only because of the Abattis’ high-profile status in the agricultural community but also due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the breakdown of their marriage. The Arizona Judicial Branch will oversee the upcoming legal proceedings as the investigation continues.
Leave a Reply