More than a month after a woman was found fatally shot inside an Arizona home, investigators say newly uncovered evidence has taken the case far beyond state lines and directly to a California farming tycoon.
A homicide investigation that began in Pinetop, Arizona, has expanded into a multi-agency case and the arrest of 63-year-old Michael Abatti of El Centro, California.
Investigators with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office have released new details in the killing of 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti, who they said died from a gunshot through a window at her Arizona home on Nov. 20. Authorities say Michael Abatti, her estranged husband, was arrested on Dec. 23 and is charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
Deputies responded to a 911 call on the night of Nov. 20 and found Kerri Abatti suffering from a gunshot wound inside her home. She was taken to a hospital but pronounced dead before arrival, investigators said.
Court records and authorities have said the couple was in the middle of a bitter divorce at the time of the killing, with financial support at the center of the dispute.
According to Navajo County investigators, evidence developed during the investigation led detectives to believe Michael Abatti traveled from California to Arizona on the day of the shooting and returned to California shortly afterward.
Sheriff David Clouse told reporters during a Dec. 29 news conference that detectives focused closely on Abatti’s whereabouts on the day of the killing and the day after. While declining to disclose specific evidence, Clouse said investigators had "strong reason to believe" Abatti made the trip, committed the homicide, and returned to California, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Kerri Abatti was found inside her home by her nephew, who lived on the property, authorities said. According to a medical examiner’s investigative report cited by the Los Angeles Times, the nephew initially believed she may have fallen and was unaware she had been shot.
not-guilty plea and noted concerns about his health.
Abatti remains in custody in California, awaiting extradition to Arizona. Authorities have not disclosed when he will be returned to face charges.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.