Couple Charged With Murder After Abusing 7-Month-Old Baby to Death, Faking Kidnap Report

A heartbreaking case that began as a missing child investigation has now resulted in murder charges.

Prosecutors say Jake and Rebecca Haro, parents of seven-month-old Emanuel Haro, abused their son over time and ultimately caused his death before fabricating a kidnapping story to cover it up.

The couple, who made emotional public pleas earlier this month for the return of their child, now face charges of murder and child abuse. Both appeared in court for the first time this week.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said investigators believe Emanuel died as a result of ongoing abuse. “The evidence indicates that this was not a kidnapping, but rather a tragic case of abuse that led to the death of a child,” Hestrin stated.

The case first unfolded on August 14, when Rebecca Haro reported being attacked in a Big 5 Sporting Goods parking lot in Yucaipa. She told police she lost consciousness during the assault, and that when she awoke, her baby had been kidnapped. The Haros later held a press conference and joined search efforts with family members, urging the public to help find Emanuel.

But investigators soon grew suspicious, and both Riverside and San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies confirmed that the kidnapping was a fabrication. Instead, they allege Emanuel had been abused for some time and ultimately died at the hands of his parents.

“From the very beginning, the defendants tried to mislead law enforcement and the public,” one official said. “We now know the truth was far more tragic.”

The investigation into Emanuel’s death remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare their case.