Authorities in California are continuing the search for 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, who has been missing for nearly two weeks. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that his parents, Jake Mitchell Haro, 32, and Rebecca Renee Haro, 41, have been arrested and charged with felony murder with malice.
The case began on August 14, when Rebecca Haro reported being attacked outside a retail store in Yucaipa while changing her son’s diaper. She claimed she was knocked unconscious by an unknown assailant and later discovered her child missing. However, investigators soon found inconsistencies in her statement.
Evidence Contradicts Mother’s Initial Statement
The sheriff’s office said investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa never occurred. Instead, evidence pointed to the parents’ direct involvement in the child’s disappearance. Officials have emphasized that while the arrests represent a breakthrough, the primary focus remains on locating Emmanuel’s remains.
“It is believed Emmanuel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing,” authorities said in a Friday statement.
Search Efforts Intensify Along Freeways and Local Areas
On Sunday, law enforcement conducted a new search along the westbound 60 Freeway near Gilman Springs Road in Moreno Valley. Detectives were joined by cadaver dogs and Emmanuel’s father, but the search concluded without locating the child.
The sheriff’s department previously deployed scent-tracking dogs, surveillance reviews, and extensive searches across Yucaipa and Cabazon, as well as executing multiple search warrants at the Haro residence. Despite these efforts, Emmanuel has not been found.
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History of Abuse and Legal Proceedings
Court records reveal that Jake Haro pleaded guilty in 2018 to willful cruelty to a child, raising further concerns about the parents’ history. Both Jake and Rebecca Haro are being held without bail—Rebecca at the Robert Presley Detention Center and Jake at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 a.m.
Officials urged the public to come forward with any information related to the case by contacting the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904.
Sheriff Calls Case “Tragic”
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus described the investigation as “tragic”, adding:
“We will continue to search for Emmanuel. I trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable.”
