SAN BERNARDINO, CA — A week after reporting their 7-month-old son Emmanuel Haro missing, authorities determined that he had never been kidnapped. His parents, Rebecca and Jake Haro, have since been arrested, charged, and sentenced for his murder.
Initial Missing Child Report
On the evening of August 14, 2025, Rebecca Haro claimed that her son was kidnapped while she was allegedly attacked outside a Big 5 Sporting Goods store on Yucaipa Boulevard. She said she had stopped to change Emmanuel’s diaper in her car when someone “snatched” him, leaving her with a black eye. Rebecca told police she searched around her vehicle before entering the store to call 911.
No surveillance footage was available, and an Amber Alert could not be issued because there was no description of a suspect or vehicle.
Investigation and Discovery of Inconsistencies
Over the following days, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) conducted interviews, executed search warrants, and reviewed digital evidence. Investigators found “inconsistencies” in Rebecca’s statements.
“Investigators interviewed multiple individuals, including Emmanuel’s parents,” the SBCSD said. “During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview.” Authorities did not initially rule out foul play.
Arrests and Charges
On August 22, both Rebecca and Jake Haro were arrested at their home on murder charges and booked without bail. On August 26, they were formally charged with first-degree murder and a misdemeanor count of making a false police report. Their bail was set at $1 million each.
Both parents later pleaded guilty to their involvement in Emmanuel’s death and have been sentenced to prison. No other suspects were identified in the case.
