Disturbing new details are emerging in the case of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, whose disappearance has now turned into a homicide investigation.
His parents, Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, were arrested on Friday morning and charged with murder after authorities said their claims of a kidnapping unraveled during the investigation.
Rebecca initially told police on August 14 that Emmanuel had been abducted during a diaper change in a Yucaipa parking lot. She claimed she was attacked and knocked unconscious while her son was taken. But when she stopped cooperating with detectives, officials announced that foul play was likely involved.
The couple was later taken from their home in Cabazon, California, by law enforcement in an armored vehicle. An extensive search of the property led to the seizure of evidence and the couple’s arrest.
Shocking new claim about Emmanuel’s last sighting
On Friday, Annie Elise, host of the Serialously podcast, told News Nation that Emmanuel had not been seen for a month prior to his mother reporting him missing.
“Because there has not been a family member who has said they have had eyes on him in the last month now,” Elise said.
She suggested the delay gave the parents time to dispose of evidence but expressed hope that investigators could track them through their digital activity.
Elise also alleged that authorities found a bloody floorboard inside the Haro home, though this has not been confirmed by police. Searches of the property included trash bins, sheds, helicopters, cadaver dogs, and SWAT teams, as well as the seizure of Jake Haro’s vehicle and nearby surveillance footage.
Police confirm chilling update
Officials have now said they no longer believe Emmanuel is alive. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department revealed that investigators were dispatched to the Haro home on August 21 — the day before the arrests — to follow up on a child abuse report linked to Emmanuel’s case.
Lt. Deirdre Vickers confirmed: “Investigators responded to the location regarding the allegations, and the investigation remains ongoing.”
No arrests were made at that time, and authorities have not released further details.
Troubling family history
In addition to the latest revelations, disturbing details about the family’s past have resurfaced.
- Rebecca’s brother, James Beushausen, was convicted in 2017 of murdering his girlfriend and attempting to cover it up.
- Jake Haro previously pleaded guilty to child cruelty in 2018 after his baby daughter, Promise, was hospitalized with broken bones. The abuse left her permanently blind, unable to walk or talk, and with only limited brain function. She now lives with relatives.
- Jake served 180 days in jail and received probation for that conviction. He was due in court next month for a potential probation violation.
Authorities also confirmed that a two-year-old child was removed from the Haro home after Emmanuel was reported missing.
Search continues
Following the couple’s arrest, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement:
“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. While these arrests mark a significant development, our focus remains on finding Emmanuel.”
Rebecca and Jake Haro remain in custody at Riverside County Jail without bail and are scheduled to appear in court next week.
A candlelight vigil was held Friday night outside the Haro home, as the local community gathered to pray and demand justice for Emmanuel.
The disappearance of Emmanuel Haro
August 14: Rebecca Haro reports Emmanuel missing, claiming she was attacked near a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa.
August 15: Police confirm the search is ongoing but say Emmanuel has not been found.
August 16: Authorities announce they cannot rule out foul play.
August 17: Investigators visit the Haro home.
August 18: Searches expand in Yucaipa and Cabazon; surveillance footage is collected.
August 19: Police investigate a possible sighting and seize Jake Haro’s car.
August 20: Emmanuel is still missing. Police confirm a two-year-old was removed from the Haro home and also probe a fire near the property.
August 21: Officers respond to the Haro home on a child abuse report connected to Emmanuel’s case.
August 22: Jake and Rebecca Haro are arrested on murder charges. Police say they believe Emmanuel is dead but continue searching for his remains.
