HOLBROOK, Ariz. — In a shocking crime that underscores the tensions of a bitter divorce, authorities have arrested 63-year-old Michael Abatti in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, aged 59, at her family vacation home in Pinetop, Arizona.
Though investigators linked the ongoing divorce proceedings to the case during a news conference, they have yet to confirm any motives, stating only that the couple's prolonged legal battle over financial matters loomed large in interviews with family and friends.
Michael Abatti was apprehended last week in El Centro, California, after allegedly traveling to Arizona to commit the crime on November 20. He reportedly returned to California shortly after the incident, leaving investigators puzzled about the events that transpired in the final days of Kerri's life.
Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse remarked, Different theories will come up. The only thing that’s glaring is there’s a divorce in place and they weren’t able to come to a resolution. But I can’t speak exactly to what the motive would be. Court documents reveal Kerri filed for divorce and had been making claims in court over financial support necessary to maintain her lifestyle.
Owen Roth, a lawyer representing Michael Abatti, emphasized his client's health concerns that could complicate proceedings and insisted on his client's innocence, noting, We ask the public to respect his privacy and constitutional rights and reiterate that this case will be decided based on the evidence by a jury. Roth also stated the couple's divorce included disputes over significant assets acquired during their 31-year marriage, which included property in multiple states and funding for their children's private education.
As the investigation progresses, both family members and the community remain in shock over the tragic turn of events, highlighting the often unspoken problems that can arise during high-profile divorces.
