by Riverside County, CA – Authorities allege that 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro died after enduring prolonged abuse at the hands of his parents, Jake and Rebecca Haro. The infant’s father has since admitted to killing the child, according to investigators, though the baby’s body has not yet been recovered.
Jailhouse Confession
Prosecutors revealed that Jake Haro was tricked into confessing while speaking with an undercover inmate. He reportedly admitted to killing his son and disposing of the body in a trash can, NewsNation reported.
Investigators say Haro later changed his story, claiming he accidentally suffocated Emmanuel by rolling over on him while sleeping, then buried the baby near a freeway. That account led authorities to search a remote field in Moreno Valley.
“We have a pretty strong indication of where the remains of baby Emmanuel are,” Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin said Wednesday. “We believe baby Emmanuel was subject to abuse over time, and because of that abuse, he succumbed to his injuries.”
Parents’ Conflicting Stories
Initially, Rebecca Haro told police that a stranger had attacked her outside a San Bernardino sporting goods store and kidnapped the child while she was changing his diaper. Investigators soon noted “inconsistencies” in her account and arrested both parents several days later.
Authorities now believe Emmanuel may have been dead for weeks before his parents reported him missing.
Troubling Past
Hestrin highlighted Jake Haro’s history of violence against children. In 2023, Haro was convicted of severely beating his young daughter from a previous marriage, leaving her with fractured ribs, a fractured skull, a brain hemorrhage, and other permanent injuries. Despite the seriousness of the case, Haro did not serve prison time.
“That decision was absolutely outrageous. Mr. Haro should have been in prison,” Hestrin said.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Both Jake and Rebecca Haro have been charged with murder. Their arraignment, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed until next week.
Authorities are continuing to search for Emmanuel’s remains. Meanwhile, the couple’s 2-year-old daughter has been placed in the care of Riverside County Child Protective Services, and Jake’s 16-year-old stepchild is also under protection.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, working with San Bernardino police, confirmed they had responded to a separate child abuse report near the sporting goods store on the day Emmanuel was reported missing. Investigators say that incident is linked to the Haros.
Little Emmanuel’s body has not yet been found.
