New disturbing details have come to light in the tragic case of seven-month-old Emmanuel Haro. Authorities in Riverside County, California, have arrested his parents, Jake and Rebecca Haro, on suspicion of murdering the infant. Emmanuel’s body was reportedly found after days of searching following his mother’s report of him missing on August 14, 2025.
District Attorney Michael Hestrin said investigators believe Emmanuel endured prolonged abuse that led to his death. He also mentioned having strong leads on the location of the baby’s remains.
In a dramatic development, police used an undercover inmate to pressure Jake Haro into admitting his involvement. The father reportedly confessed to killing Emmanuel and placing his body in a trash can during what is called a “Perkins Operation,” where an informant poses as a fellow prisoner to collect information. Meanwhile, Rebecca Haro stuck to her initial claim despite a similar undercover effort.
Originally, Rebecca said a stranger attacked her and kidnapped Emmanuel while she was outside a store. But inconsistencies in the parents’ accounts led to their arrests.
Jake later changed his version, saying he accidentally suffocated Emmanuel by rolling over on him during sleep and buried him near a freeway. He was even seen helping investigators search a remote field in Moreno Valley.
Hestrin criticized how Jake’s past conviction for severe child abuse in 2023 did not result in prison time, despite causing permanent injuries to another child.
The Haros have two other children, including a two-year-old girl now in protective custody. They also have a 16-year-old stepson. Their arraignment has been delayed, and authorities noted an ongoing related child abuse investigation connected to the family.
