(NewsNation) — Baby Emmanuel Haro is believed to be dead, and deputies have determined he wasn’t kidnapped, according to the sheriff’s department.
Emmanuel’s parents, Jake and Rebecca Haro, were arrested on suspicion of murder Friday, a little over a week after reporting the 7-month-old missing.
Rebecca Haro claimed she was changing the baby’s diaper in a store parking lot Aug. 14 when someone knocked her out and took the child, sparking an urgent search for him.
Emmanuel Haro wasn’t kidnapped: Deputies
Hours after Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested at their home in Cabazon, the sheriff’s department said they are now searching for the infant’s remains.
“This investigation began on August 14, 2025, as a reported kidnapping at the Big 5 in Yucaipa. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department immediately dedicated all available resources to locate seven-month-old Emmanuel Haro,” the department wrote.
“During the investigation thus far, numerous interviews have been conducted, search warrants have been served, digital and electronic evidence has been collected and closely analyzed. 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.”
Sheriff Shannon Dicus said, “The circumstances surrounding this investigation are tragic and we will continue to search for Emmanuel.
“I trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable.”
Blood found in Emmanuel Haro’s home: Sources
Blood was found inside the Haro home, and photos of the baby had been removed from the house in addition to all of his clothes, sources tell NewsNation.
Police grew suspicious of the mom’s kidnapping claim due to inconsistencies in her story, and she declined to be interviewed further when they confronted her.
Jake Haro, meanwhile, had been convicted of child cruelty years before Emmanuel disappeared after his 10-week-old infant, whom he shared with an ex-wife, was brought to the hospital with serious injuries.
The girl, now 7 years old, was left unable to speak, talk or walk as a result of the injuries.
