Overview
- Michael Abatti entered his plea at his first appearance in Navajo County Superior Court after being extradited from California.
- Investigators allege he drove from El Centro to Pinetop on Nov. 20, fired a single shot through a kitchen window from outside, and returned to California.
- An autopsy and scene findings note a loud sound reported by a relative, a bullet hole in a window, and a likely firing position about one yard outside the home.
- Navajo County authorities say multistate searches of Abatti-linked properties in El Centro yielded significant evidence that led to his Dec. 23 arrest.
- Defense attorneys deny his involvement, raise health concerns, criticize public disclosures, and say the next court hearing is set for March 17.