The parents of a missing 7-month-old boy have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with his disappearance, following inconsistencies in their statements and a determination that the reported kidnapping did not occur. The infant, Emmanuel Haro, remains missing and is presumed deceased, with an ongoing search for his remains.
Jake Mitchell Haro, 32, and Rebecca Renee Haro, 41, were arrested on August 22, 2025, at their home in Cabazon, California, by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. They were charged under California Penal Code 187 for murder, which carries a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted. Both were booked into a Riverside County jail without bail.
The incident began on August 14, 2025, when Rebecca Haro reported that Emmanuel was kidnapped outside a retail store in Yucaipa, California. She claimed that while changing his diaper, she was assaulted and knocked unconscious by a man, and upon waking, the baby was gone. However, investigators found inconsistencies in her account during interviews, leading them to doubt the kidnapping story.
Authorities conducted extensive searches in Yucaipa and Cabazon, utilizing K-9 units and serving search warrants at the Haro residence. A car belonging to Jake Haro was seized for evidence processing. Despite reports of possible sightings in Kern County, no trace of Emmanuel has been found, and the sheriff’s department now believes he is deceased.
The arrest was made after evidence indicated that a kidnapping did not occur, and the parents’ lack of cooperation raised suspicions. Rebecca Haro declined to continue with the interview when confronted with inconsistencies, and both parents were uncooperative with the investigation. The sheriff’s department emphasized that the focus remains on finding Emmanuel’s remains.
This case has drawn significant media attention and public concern, highlighting issues of child welfare and criminal justice. The community has been involved in the search efforts, and the tragedy has sparked discussions about parental responsibility and the handling of missing children cases.
What’s next includes the continuation of the search for Emmanuel’s remains, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The legal proceedings against Jake and Rebecca Haro will begin, potentially leading to a trial. The outcome of this case could influence how similar incidents are investigated in the future, with an emphasis on thorough evidence collection and witness cooperation.