Farming tycoon shot estranged wife dead through window of ranch after she accused him of concealing his vast wealth during ugly divorce, police say
Michael Abatti, 63, is accused of gunning down his partner of 31 years Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, in their $1.6 million mansion in Pinetop, Arizona, on November 20.
A prominent California farming tycoon allegedly shot his wife dead through a ranch window after she accused him of hiding his wealth amid their acrimonious divorce.
Michael Abatti, 63, is accused of gunning down his partner of 31 years Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, in their $1.6 million mansion in Pinetop, Arizona, on November 20.
Abatti was arrested at his home in El Centro, California on December 23 after investigators with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said they uncovered evidence linking him to the shooting.
The couple were reportedly entangled in a bitter divorce at the time of the shooting and Kerri Ann had been living at their Arizona vacation home during the split.
Investigators have provided additional details including that they found a shattered window at the luxury ranch which they believe the fatal gunshot was fired through, according to the LA Times.
Abatti traveled from his home in California to Arizona, allegedly shot his wife dead, then immediately returned to California, police said.
The alleged killer is one of the most prolific farmers in the El Centro area, which is known for its abundant farming industry as it feeds off the Colorado River.
His crops bring in over $10 million per year, however the family's fortune was reportedly a point of contention when his marriage broke down in 2023.
California farming tycoon Michael Abatti, 63, was arrested on suspicion of murdering his estranged wife at their remote Arizona vacation home
The businessman allegedly shot dead his wife of 31 years Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, in their $1.6 million mansion in Pinetop, Arizona, on November 20
The Daily Mail previously revealed the messy relationship between Abatti and his estranged wife before she died.
The pair was entrenched in a battle over finances - as Kerri claimed that her millionaire husband had left her a 'measly' allowance after she left him, according to court records.
Filings from October 2023 allege that Abatti expected her to run the 14-acre Pinetop property single-handedly while paying her $5,000 a month as part of a spousal agreement, a sum she deemed insufficient.
Kerri claimed that she had little knowledge of her husband's finances during their marriage, despite owning a number of properties including a $12.5 million ranch in Wyoming.