A prominent farm and energy tycoon from California was taken into custody on Tuesday, accused of murdering his estranged wife last month.

Michael Abatti, 63, faced indictment in Arizona following the death of his wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, according to an announcement by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested shortly after the indictment.

On November 20, Kerri Ann Abatti was discovered unresponsive at her residence and later declared dead at a nearby hospital, as reported by the Desert Sun.

Michael Abatti is currently held at the Imperial County Jail in California, pending extradition to Arizona.

On December 2, Navajo County detectives carried out several search warrants, examining properties and vehicles associated with the Abatti family.

Investigators revealed that on November 20, Michael Abatti traveled from California to Arizona and returned to California on the same day.

The Abattis had been married for 31 years when they separated in August 2023. The divorce proceedings were still ongoing at the time of the murder. The couple jointly owned Mike Abatti Farms.