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Imperial Valley Farmer Extradited to Arizona, Pleads Not Guilty to Wife’s Murder

EL CENTRO, CA — Michael Abatti, a 63-year-old prominent Imperial Valley farmer, has been extradited to Arizona and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, 59. Abatti was arrested on December 23rd in connection with the November 20th shooting death of Kerri Abatti at her home in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. Authorities say she was shot once in the head by a bullet that entered through a window.

Bail has been set at $5.5 million. If posted, Abatti will be permitted to return to El Centro for medical treatments but must surrender his passport and face travel restrictions to Arizona and Wyoming, where the couple owns property.

According to divorce filings, the Abattis were engaged in a bitter dispute over spousal support following their separation. Kerri Abatti had moved to Pinetop-Lakeside, her hometown, after leaving their El Centro home in August 2023 following 31 years of marriage.

Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse stated that investigators believe Abatti traveled from El Centro to Pinetop on November 20th to commit the homicide and then returned to California. Photos taken of Michael Abatti in Navajo County show him shirtless and wearing a suicide vest. A pre-trial conference and release hearing is scheduled for March 17th.

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