A Cabazon man, Jake Haro, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his 7-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro. This decision comes after the baby was reported missing in August 2023, although his body has not yet been recovered. Authorities consider him presumed dead.
Key Developments in the Case
Jake Haro pleaded guilty to several charges, including second-degree murder, child assault, and filing a false police report. Despite this development, the mystery surrounding Emmanuel’s disappearance remains unsolved. Neither new evidence nor the location of the baby’s body has been disclosed.
Parental Charges and Court Proceedings
- Jake Haro: Pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
- Rebecca Haro (mother): Pleaded not guilty and appeared for a preliminary hearing.
Both parents were arrested following a multi-agency investigation that initiated on August 14. Rebecca Haro claimed that she was attacked and that her son was kidnapped from a Big 5 parking lot in Yucaipa. However, inconsistencies in the parents’ accounts led investigators to search their home in Cabazon multiple times.
Concerns Over the Justice System
District Attorney Mike Hestrin emphasized that Emmanuel’s death could have been avoided. He attributed the incident to failures within the criminal justice system, which allowed Jake Haro to remain free on probation after a previous child abuse case involving another infant.
Previous Cases and Sentencing Issues
- Jake Haro had admitted to child cruelty charges in 2023.
- The D.A.’s office sought prison time for his extensive abuse of a former child, resulting in severe injuries.
According to Hestrin, the judge’s decision to grant probation in that earlier case contributed to the tragic outcome. He stated, “If that judge had done his job, Emmanuel would be alive today.” The D.A. office had expressed strong objections to the leniency shown in Haro’s prior sentencing.
This harrowing case raises questions about the effectiveness of protective measures for vulnerable children. As the community grapples with this tragedy, the search for justice and accountability continues.
