Cabazon Couple Faces Murder Charges in Infant Son’s Disappearance, DA’s Office Seeks to Quell Speculation
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has reiterated its plea to the public and media to refrain from speculative discussions surrounding the criminal history of Jake Mitchell Haro, 32, who stands accused alongside his wife, Rebecca Rene Haro, 41, of murdering their 7-month-old son, Emmanuel. The couple also faces charges of filing a false police report in connection with the infant’s disappearance last month. The DA’s office emphasized the importance of focusing on securing justice for Emmanuel and avoiding distractions that could hinder the ongoing homicide investigation. The Haros pleaded not guilty during their arraignment and are currently held on $1 million bail each, awaiting their next court appearance.
The case has ignited public debate and media scrutiny, particularly regarding Jake Haro’s prior conviction for child cruelty involving his ex-wife and their infant daughter, Carolina. District Attorney Mike Hestrin publicly attributed Emmanuel’s death to a failure in the criminal justice system, asserting that the judge’s decision to grant Haro probation in the previous case, despite the prosecution’s strong objections, directly contributed to the current tragedy. Hestrin stated that the prosecution had sought a prison sentence for Haro due to the severity of the injuries inflicted upon his daughter, which included broken ribs, a fractured skull, and a brain hemorrhage, leaving her permanently bedridden.
The DA’s office clarified its position on the prior case, emphasizing that they believed the charges against Haro could have been more severe considering the nature and extent of the injuries inflicted upon his daughter. They stressed their strong objection to the proposed probation sentence, highlighting the heinous and permanent nature of the young victim’s injuries. The DA’s office maintained that the court’s decision to deviate from their recommendation and grant probation was an inappropriate use of discretion, given the circumstances and facts of the case. They firmly believe that had Haro been incarcerated, Emmanuel would still be alive.
The investigation into Emmanuel’s disappearance began after Rebecca Haro reported being assaulted while changing the infant’s diaper outside a Big 5 store in Yucaipa. She claimed to have been knocked unconscious and that the assailant fled with Emmanuel. However, forensic evidence recovered from the scene led San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigators to transfer the case to Riverside County. Sheriff Shannon Dicus confirmed the significance of the forensic data in establishing the jurisdiction and proving key elements of the crime, though specific details were not disclosed. Subsequent search warrants executed at the Haros’ residence yielded a significant amount of surveillance video, which is currently under review.
Jake Haro has denied any involvement in his son’s disappearance in a jailhouse interview, claiming cooperation with investigators. However, his past legal troubles extend beyond the child cruelty conviction. He faces unresolved charges for illegal possession of a loaded firearm and probation violations stemming from an arrest in Banning last year. Court documents also reveal a domestic violence restraining order filed against him by his former spouse, Isabel Rebecca Gonzalez, seeking protection for their son, Eli. There is no record of prior felony convictions for Rebecca Haro in Riverside County.
The search for Emmanuel continues, and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to pursuing justice for the infant. They urge the public to allow the legal process to unfold without speculation and to focus on supporting the investigation, which remains the priority in this tragic case. The DA’s office aims to hold those responsible accountable for Emmanuel’s death and bring closure to this devastating situation. The Haros are scheduled to appear in court again next week for a status conference.