MORENO VALLEY, Calif. — Authorities in Southern California are intensifying efforts to locate infant Emmanuel Haro after the child’s father reportedly confessed to involvement in his disappearance, prompting the arrest of both parents on murder charges.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Friday that detectives and specially trained cadaver dogs conducted a detailed search along the westbound shoulder of the 60 Freeway near Gilman Springs Road. The search came after Jake Haro, 50, allegedly confessed and accompanied investigators to the area. Despite extensive efforts, Emmanuel’s body has not yet been found, and authorities continue to urge the public to avoid spreading misinformation.
“Baby Emmanuel has not been found,” officials said in a statement.
Parents Arrested Following Investigation
The case took a grim turn Thursday night when both Jake Haro and his wife, Rebecca Renee Haro, were taken into custody at their Cabazon home on Ramona Street, south of Interstate 10. Both are currently held without bail in the Riverside County jail system on suspicion of murder.
The investigation began after Rebecca Haro reported an assault outside a Yucaipa store while changing Emmanuel’s diaper, claiming she lost consciousness and woke to find her child kidnapped. Detectives, however, determined that her account contained major inconsistencies and ultimately concluded that no kidnapping had occurred.
“Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmanuel is deceased, and the search to recover his remains is ongoing,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
Troubling Background
Authorities revealed that Jake Haro was already on probation for a prior child abuse case and was out on bond for a separate firearm offense when Emmanuel went missing. This history has intensified public concern and scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance.
Search Efforts and Public Clarification
Video circulating online showed Jake Haro with investigators near the freeway, prompting widespread social media speculation. Officials quickly clarified that while searches are underway, Emmanuel’s remains have not been recovered.
Law enforcement agencies from San Bernardino and Riverside counties, along with district attorney offices, are coordinating closely to locate the child and ensure a thorough investigation.
Community Shock and Response
The case has left the Moreno Valley and surrounding communities reeling. Neighbors and residents expressed disbelief and grief as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this tragedy.
Sheriff’s officials called the circumstances “tragic” and thanked the public and media for their assistance.
“The circumstances surrounding this investigation are tragic, and we will continue to search for Emmanuel,” the department said. “We trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to appeal to anyone with information regarding the case to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
As the search continues, the community, law enforcement, and the nation await answers in this heart-wrenching case, hoping for closure in the disappearance of infant Emmanuel Haro.
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