A wealthy California farm and energy mogul was arrested Tuesday and charged with murder of his estranged wife last month.
Michael Abatti, 63, was indicted in Arizona, where Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, lived, on Tuesday and arrested that same day, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said.
Kerri Ann Abatti was found unresponsive at her home on November 20 and was pronounced dead at a hospital, the Desert Sun reported.
Michael Abatti was booked into the Imperial County Jail in California, where he awaits extradition to Arizona.
Navajo County detectives executed multiple search warrants on December 2, searching properties and vehicles connected with the Abatti family.
The investigation determined that Michael Abatti traveled from California to Arizona and immediately back to California on November 20.
The Abattis had been married for 31 years when they separated in August 2023. The divorce proceedings were still ongoing at the time of the murder. The couple jointly owned Mike Abatti Farms.
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[Featured image: Michael Abatti/handout]
