California farmer accused of killing wife in Arizona extradited, reportedly pleads not guilty

Michael Abatti, who allegedly killed his wife in Pinetop on Nov. 20, has been extradited to Arizona and has reportedly pleaded not guilty.

BY JEFF VINTON

Dec 31, 2025, 12:30 PM

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PHOENIX — A southern California farmer accused of killing his wife in Arizona has been extradited and reportedly entered a plea in the case.

Michael Abatti, 63, was arrested in El Centro last week in connection with the death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, who was shot to death in Pinetop on Nov. 20.

He was transferred into the custody of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday afternoon, according to a press release.

Abatti was then booked into the NCSO jail on one count of first-degree murder. The sheriff’s office said he was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning. Abatti reportedly pleaded not guilty, according to Arizona’s Family.

How did Michael Abatti allegedly murder his wife in Arizona?

Investigators believe Michael drove to Pinetop from California on Nov. 20, committed the crime and then drove home.

An autopsy report released Monday said Kerri Ann was found by her nephew on the floor near her kitchen. The nephew told investigators he heard a loud sound before finding his aunt.

Investigators later found a “circular defect” on a window that they determined was likely caused by a bullet fired from a gun in the yard outside of the home, according to the report.

Michael’s home in California was searched on Dec. 2 as part of the investigation into Kerri Ann’s death.

Kerri Ann had been living in Pinetop since splitting with her husband in 2023. The couple was married in 1992 and had three children. Their divorce proceedings were still pending in California at the time of her death.

Why did Michael Abatti allegedly murder his wife?

Authorities have not said what the alleged motive for the killing was. However, the Abattis, who owned homes in California and Pinetop, along with ranch land in Wyoming, had been arguing over finances.

Kerri Ann had asked for her monthly temporary spousal support to be increased from $5,000 and for an additional $100,000 in attorney’s fees, according to court documents. She said the increase in financial support was necessary as she was struggling to maintain her standard of living and needed help with upkeep on the property in Pinetop.

Michael later agreed to raise the support to $6,400 a month, despite countering in a court filing that his income had decreased due to poor farming years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.