ICSO releases mugshot of suspect arrested for Pinetop murder

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The Imperial County Sheriff's Office (ICSO) has released a mugshot of the man suspected of murdering Kerri Ann Abatti in Pinetop, Arizona.

63-year-old Michael Abatti was arrested Tuesday in El Centro for first degree murder in connection to his wife's death.

ICSO says he was arrested without incident at a business on McCabe Road.

Multiple agencies believe Abatti traveled to Pinetop, Arizona and may have shot his wife, according to a Navajo County Public Information Officer.

Prior to the arrest, the Navajo County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) said detectives served multiple search warrants on residence properties, and vehicles belonging to the Abatti family earlier this month, where they have seized a "significant amount of evidence" to identify Abatti as the primary suspect.

Also prior to the arrest, NCSO says detectives provided their testimony to the Navajo County Grand Jury and the Navajo County Superior Court issued both Abatti's indictment and arrest warrant.

"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."

Sheriff David M. Clouse, Navajo County Sheriff's Office.

While we don't know when he will be extradited to Navajo County, KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.