Suspected Child Abuse Likely Caused Baby Emmanuel Haro's Demise, Reveals Prosecutor, Before His Disappearance Was Reported
In a tragic turn of events, the parents of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, Jake Haro (32) and Rebecca Haro (41), have been charged with his murder. The alleged abuse of Emmanuel occurred in Southern California, and the case has been making headlines since the disappearance of the infant was reported in Yucaipa, San Bernardino County, on August 14.
The Riverside County District Attorney, Mike Hestrin, has stated that Emmanuel was a victim of child abuse over time, which led to his death. The prosecution had asked for Haro to be sentenced to prison time in 2018, but he was instead given a lighter sentence of 180 days of work release and probation. This decision, according to Hestrin, was an outrageous error in judgment by the judge.
The search for Emmanuel's remains took place over the weekend in a field by a freeway, but his body was not found. The couple's home in Cabazon, Riverside County, was also searched, and the Haros were arrested on August 19.
Rebecca Haro claimed she woke up to find Emmanuel missing after being assaulted while changing his diaper outside a store. However, authorities found inconsistencies in her account. Jake Haro provided some cooperation during the search for Emmanuel's remains.
Jake Haro has a prior conviction for child abuse in 2018, during which one of his children suffered rib and skull fractures, a brain hemorrhage, and other injuries that caused permanent damage. Travis Trapp, a spokesperson for the Riverside County Superior Court, declined to comment on the lighter sentence given to Jake Haro in 2018.
The Haro couple is currently being held on $1 million bail each and is scheduled to be arraigned next week. The search results do not provide the name of the judge who sentenced Jake Haro in 2023 to 180 days of Work Release and probation despite his prior conviction for child abuse causing serious injuries.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Emmanuel Haro during this difficult time. This is a developing story, and we will continue to update as more information becomes available.
