PINETOP, Ariz. — Michael Abatti has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his estranged wife, Kerri Abatti, authorities said—details in the story.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Michael Abatti, 63, of El Centro, California, was taken into custody Tuesday in connection with the death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, 59.
Court records show divorce proceedings between the couple had been initiated before the shooting, a detail previously reported by Mountain Daily Star as law enforcement expanded their focus beyond Arizona.
December 12, 2025, was the next court appearance in their divorce case.
On Dec. 2, detectives served multiple search warrants on residences, vehicles, properties, and camp trailers associated with the Abatti family in El Centro. Authorities said a significant amount of evidence was seized and remains under analysis.
Investigators believe Michael Abatti traveled from California to Pinetop on the day of the shooting, fatally shot Kerri Abatti, and then immediately returned to California. Detectives worked with multiple law enforcement agencies in Arizona and California to develop information and evidence establishing probable cause, officials said.
On Dec. 23, detectives presented testimony to a Navajo County grand jury, which returned an indictment. The Navajo County Superior Court subsequently issued an arrest warrant.
Michael Abatti was arrested on December 23, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time).
According to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office press release, he was taken into custody in the 100 block of McCabe Road in El Centro, California.
He was booked into the Imperial County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1105, a class one felony, and is awaiting extradition to Arizona.
“The arrest of Mr. Abatti was without incident and occurred at a business located in the 100 block of McCabe Road in El Centro, California,” the ICSO said. “Mr. Abatti was booked at the Imperial County Jail, while awaiting extradition to Navajo County, Arizona.”
Navajo County Sheriff David M. Clouse extended condolences to the victim’s family and thanked assisting agencies for their cooperation and support throughout the investigation.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing.
