California Farmer Arrested in Arizona Murder of Estranged Wife
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A prominent California farmer, Michael Abatti, was arrested Tuesday, December 5, 2023, on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, in Pinetop, Arizona. The arrest, made by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, marks a dramatic turn in a contentious divorce and financial dispute that played out in court filings earlier this year.
A Family Legacy and a Bitter Split
Michael Abatti, 63, was taken into custody in El Centro, California, and is awaiting extradition to Arizona. Authorities believe he traveled to Arizona on November 20th and fatally shot Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, at her vacation home before returning to California. The victim was found dead in a tree-shrouded residence in Pinetop, a community where she had relocated following the separation from her husband.
The Abatti family has deep roots in the Imperial Valley, a region known for its agricultural production. Michael Abatti’s grandfather was an Italian immigrant and a pioneer in the area, while his father, Ben, was instrumental in establishing the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association. The Abatti name is synonymous with farming enterprises, scholarship funds, and local leadership. Michael Abatti himself cultivated crops like onions, broccoli, and cantaloupes and served on the board of the Imperial Irrigation District from 2006 to 2010.
However, the family’s prosperity was overshadowed by a dissolving marriage and escalating financial tensions. Michael and Kerri Abatti married in 1992 and had three children together. The couple separated in 2023, leading to divorce proceedings in California.
Financial Disputes and a Request for Support
Court documents reveal a stark contrast in the couple’s lifestyle and Kerri Abatti’s financial situation following the split. She described a life of luxury, including a large home in California, a vacation property in Pinetop, ranch land in Wyoming, and frequent international travel. After leaving the family farm in 1999 to raise their children, Kerri Abatti sought significant spousal support.
Initially granted $5,000 per month, she requested an increase to $30,000, arguing she could not maintain her standard of living. “I am barely scraping by each month, am handling all of the manual labor on our large property in Arizona and continuing its upkeep,” she wrote in a court filing. She also requested $100,000 to cover legal fees.
Michael Abatti countered that he could not afford the increased support, citing economic challenges in the agricultural sector. He attributed his financial difficulties to shifts in European crop-buying patterns favoring Ukrainian farmers, rising shipping costs, and unfavorable weather conditions. He stated that in mid-2024, the cost to grow an acre of wheat exceeded the potential revenue, leaving him struggling to meet his financial obligations. According to his attorney, Lee Hejmanowski, “The income available at this time does not warrant any increase in the amount to which the parties stipulated, let alone an increase to $30,000 per month.” He ultimately agreed to increase temporary spousal support to $6,400 per month.
Investigation and Legal Defense
Authorities searched Michael Abatti’s home in Southern California on December 2nd as part of the ongoing investigation. His attorneys have issued a statement asserting his dedication to family, work, and community, and indicating he will plead not guilty. They also expressed “deep concern” about his health, noting he suffers from numerous medical conditions requiring ongoing treatment.
In 2009, Michael Abatti faced a life-threatening infection from a flesh-eating bacteria, requiring hospitalization and a medically induced coma, as detailed in a 2023 book about water issues by his college friend, Craig Morgan, titled “The Morality of Deceit.”
The investigation remains active, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses. The tragic death of Kerri Ann Abatti has brought a dark chapter to a family deeply rooted in California’s agricultural landscape and highlights the often-complex and devastating consequences of marital discord.
