HOLBROOK, Ariz. — The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office on Monday released a detailed timeline and investigative overview in the homicide case involving Kerri Ann Abatti, outlining how investigators identified her estranged husband, Michael Abatti, as the suspect and secured a first-degree murder indictment. However, new information was not obtained.
Sheriff David Clouse opened the press conference by emphasizing respect for the victim and her family and reminding the public that Abatti is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution. He was joined by command staff, detectives, and federal partners, including representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who are assisting in the investigation.
Abatti’s attorneys said he plans on pleading not guilty.
Timeline of the homicide
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began on Nov. 20, 2025, when a 911 call was placed at approximately 9:19 p.m. from a residence in the 4100 block of Bruin Way in Pinetop. The call, made by a family member, was initially reported as a medical emergency. Fire personnel responding to the scene quickly determined that Abatti had suffered a gunshot wound and requested law enforcement assistance.
Abatti, 59, was transported to the hospital in Show Low, where she was later pronounced deceased. Investigators said the home was secured for approximately four days while detectives conducted an extensive search, obtained search warrants, and canvassed the surrounding neighborhood for witnesses and surveillance footage.
Investigation and suspect identification
Detectives described a methodical investigation that included interviews with family members, friends, neighbors, and associates, along with analysis of Abatti’s activities in the 24 to 72 hours before her death. Investigators learned that Abatti had moved back to Pinetop two to three years earlier amid a separation and ongoing divorce from her husband of nearly 30 years.
Between Nov. 23 and early December, detectives traveled multiple times to El Centro, California, with assistance from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and the Imperial County Attorney’s Office, executing search warrants at three locations, including residences and business properties tied to the Abatti family. Authorities said they relied on a combination of traditional investigative work, forensic analysis, and technology-based evidence, though specific details remain under seal.
Based on that evidence, investigators said they developed probable cause to believe Michael Abatti traveled from California to Pinetop on Nov. 20, committed the homicide, and returned to California early the following morning.
Indictment, arrest, and extradition
The case was presented to a Navajo County grand jury on Dec. 23, 2025, resulting in a first-degree murder indictment and arrest warrant. Michael Abatti was arrested in California the same day, without incident, and booked into the Imperial County Jail.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed during the press conference that Abatti has waived extradition and is awaiting transport back to Navajo County. For security reasons, authorities said the exact timing of the transfer will not be released until he is securely housed in the Navajo County Jail.
There was possibly a call made for service in Imperial Valley that reflected a possible suicide attempt by Michael Abatti. Sheriff’s officials acknowledged reports of a suicide-related call for service involving Abatti in El Centro, California. They said another agency handled the incident and that they did not have the date or details of that call.
The Sheriff remarked that “We have never done this before,” referring to the press conference. This is the first press conference to take place in Navajo County. Chief Deputy Bruce Tucker and Sheriff Clouse were noticeably nervous and became emotional when speaking about the case. Sheriff Clouse described the case as “bittersweet,” noting that while an arrest may bring some measure of closure, the judicial process is only beginning.
What investigators did not disclose
Officials repeatedly declined to identify a specific motive, stating that while the prolonged divorce was a recurring theme in interviews, they would not characterize it as a motive at this stage. Authorities also declined to discuss details regarding the firearm used, specific forensic findings, or statements made by the suspect.
Most of the details disclosed in the press conference had already been made public by our news outlet. Questions were asked about the firearm and motive, but were not answered at the press conference.
