PINETOP, AZ — A murder investigation into the death of 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti of Pinetop, Arizona, has crossed into California.
On December 2, the Navajo County Sheriff's Office served multiple search warrants on structures and properties in El Centro, California, associated with the Abatti Family and their business operations.
The investigation started on November 20 when deputies responded to the area of Bruin Way and Branding Iron Loop in Pinetop for a homicide.
When deputies arrived, they located the body of Kerri Ann Abatti, who was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound.
Nearly two weeks after the homicide, detectives served search warrants at Michael Abatti's residence in El Centro, California, as well as two camp trailers and two vehicles belonging to the family.
The Navajo County Sheriff's Office says the warrants were served based on the results of the ongoing investigation and evidence developed by detectives.
On December 23, detectives provided testimony to the Navajo County Grand Jury and obtained an indictment and an arrest warrant for Michael. He was later taken into custody in El Centro, California.
He was booked into the Imperial County Jail on charges of violating Arizona Revised Statutes 13—1105. He faces first-degree murder charges and is awaiting extradition to Arizona.
Sheriff David M. Clouse stated, “We extend our sincere condolences to Kerri’s family and to all those affected by this tragedy. The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the cooperation of the other police agencies that worked countless hours alongside our Detectives. The Sheriff’s Office would also like to recognize the men and women who served on the Grand Jury who heard the evidence and concluded that an indictment was appropriate in this case, helping to bring justice to the Abatti family.”
