Key Takeaways:
- Michael Abatti, a 63-year-old prominent California farmer, was arrested on suspicion of murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti.
- The couple was in the process of getting a divorce and was sparring over finances, with Kerri requesting an increase in temporary spousal support from $5,000 to $30,000 per month.
- Michael Abatti claimed he couldn’t afford the increase due to two bad farming years and rising costs, and instead agreed to increase the payments to $6,400 per month.
- The couple had a long and complex history, with Michael coming from a long line of farmers in the Imperial Valley and Kerri being a descendant of one of the first Latter-day Saints families to settle in Pinetop, Arizona.
- The investigation into Kerri’s death is ongoing, with Michael Abatti awaiting extradition to Arizona to face charges.
Introduction to the Case
The recent arrest of Michael Abatti, a well-known California farmer, has sent shockwaves through the community. Abatti, 63, was taken into custody on suspicion of murder in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti. The incident occurred in a remote mountain community in Arizona, where Kerri had been living in a family vacation home after the couple’s split. As the investigation continues, details are emerging about the complex and tumultuous relationship between Michael and Kerri, including their ongoing divorce proceedings and disputes over finances.
The Abatti Family Background
Michael Abatti comes from a long line of farmers in the Imperial Valley, a region in Southern California known for its rich agricultural land and water resources. His grandfather, an Italian immigrant, was among the area’s early settlers, and his father, Ben, played a significant role in the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association. Michael himself has been involved in farming for many years, growing a variety of crops including onions, broccoli, and cantaloupes. He has also served on the board of the Imperial Irrigation District, a powerful organization that manages water resources in the region.
The Marriage and Divorce
Michael and Kerri Abatti were married in 1992 and had three children together. However, their relationship began to unravel in 2023, when they split and Kerri filed for divorce. The couple’s divorce proceedings were marked by disputes over finances, with Kerri requesting a significant increase in temporary spousal support. She claimed that she was struggling to maintain her standard of living, having quit her job as a bookkeeper and office manager for the family farm in 1999 to care for their children. Michael, on the other hand, argued that he couldn’t afford the increase, citing two bad farming years and rising costs.
The Financial Disputes
The financial disputes between Michael and Kerri were a major point of contention in their divorce proceedings. Kerri had been granted $5,000 per month in temporary spousal support, but she requested an increase to $30,000 per month, citing her need to maintain her standard of living. She also requested an additional $100,000 in attorney’s fees. Michael, however, claimed that he couldn’t afford the increase, saying that his farming business was struggling due to European shifts in crop-buying and rising shipping costs. He eventually agreed to increase the temporary spousal support payments to $6,400 per month, but the dispute over finances continued to simmer.
The Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into Kerri’s death is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events surrounding her shooting. Michael Abatti was arrested on Tuesday and booked into jail on a first-degree murder charge. He is awaiting extradition to Arizona, where he will face charges in connection with Kerri’s death. As the case unfolds, it is likely that more details will emerge about the complex and troubled relationship between Michael and Kerri, and the events that ultimately led to her tragic death.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The arrest of Michael Abatti has sent shockwaves through the community, and the investigation into Kerri’s death is ongoing. As the case continues to unfold, it is likely that more details will emerge about the complex and tumultuous relationship between Michael and Kerri. The dispute over finances, which was a major point of contention in their divorce proceedings, may have played a role in the events leading up to Kerri’s death. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember that the case is still ongoing, and it is crucial to await the outcome of the legal proceedings before drawing any conclusions.