Overview
- Abatti, 63, was transferred from California to Holbrook and booked Wednesday on a first-degree murder charge in the Nov. 20 death of Kerri Ann Abatti, 59.
- A Navajo County grand jury indicted him on Dec. 23 after his arrest in El Centro; officials said he waived extradition, and an initial court appearance is scheduled.
- Detectives say evidence indicates a shot was fired from outside through a window, a neighbor reported a loud boom, and an autopsy found a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
- Authorities executed search warrants at properties linked to the Abatti family in El Centro in early December as part of a multi-agency investigation that included the FBI.
- Investigators believe he traveled from California to Pinetop on Nov. 20 and returned early Nov. 21, while his attorneys say he surrendered, plans a not-guilty plea, and has significant health issues.