Unsealed warrants reveal $200-million trust was on the line when SoCal farmer's wife was killed

"The couple held a trust worth $200 million - all of which would become Michael's in the event of Kerri's death."

"Michael Abatti's attorneys argued that the decision to unseal the documents risks his fundamental right to a fair trial."

"The affidavits detail the movements of Michael Abatti's Ford truck the day of the shooting and his subsequent suicide attempt."

"The couple have three adult children together, complicating the already contentious divorce that had been ongoing for roughly three years."

Michael Abatti, an Imperial Valley farmer, shot his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, during a bitter divorce. The couple's trust was valued at $200 million, which would benefit Michael upon Kerri's death. Investigators detailed Michael's actions leading to the shooting and his subsequent suicide attempt. The couple had three adult children and had been in a lengthy divorce process. Court documents were initially sealed due to concerns about evidence destruction but were later unsealed, revealing the complexities of the case and the family's situation.

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