California Authorities Arrest Parents of Missing Baby on Suspicion of Murder
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Sheriff's detectives arrested Jake and Rebecca Haro at their Cabazon, Calif., home on Aug. 22, 2025. (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)
By Jill McLaughlin
8/22/2025Updated: 8/22/2025

The parents of a 7-month-old boy in Southern California were arrested Aug. 22 on suspicion of murder more than a week after the child was reported missing, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Homicide detectives arrested Jake Haro and Rebecca Haro at their home in Cabazon, California, about 90 miles east of Los Angeles near the San Bernardino National Forest.

“Investigators will continue their search for 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro,” the sheriff’s department posted on social media.

Rebecca Haro reported him missing on Aug. 14.

Investigators began to suspect foul play after the boy’s mother made inconsistent statements while being questioned. She also stopped cooperating with them, according to the sheriff’s department.

Rebecca Haro told police she was standing outside her car changing her baby’s diaper at about 7:45 p.m. Aug. 14, next to Big 5 Sporting Goods in Yucaipa—about 20 miles northwest of Cabazon—when she was physically assaulted by an unknown man and rendered unconscious.

She said that when she awoke, she had a black eye and her baby was missing, according to authorities.

Deputies and K9 units were dispatched in the region to start an extensive search for the baby, but he has still not been located.

Several allegations of past criminal activity related to the father and the family have been reported since the boy’s disappearance.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said a fire was reported at a neighbor’s property near the Haro home in Cabazon, but it might not have been related.

Sheriff’s investigators searched the family’s home this week with police dogs and are reviewing surveillance footage from areas of interest in the case.

On Aug. 22, detectives entered three detached buildings on the property, including a single-story home and barn. Helicopters also circled over the neighborhood.

A crowd gathered near the family’s home after the arrests. A small memorial was set up for Emmanuel near the home and had drawn about 50 people, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Defense attorney Vincent Hughes did not return a message left for him about the case.

Hughes is representing Jake Haro in another case and told The Sun this week he did not believe the parents were responsible for the boy going missing.

Also in Southern California, an Amber Alert was issued Aug. 21 for two Los Angeles children apparently abducted from their foster care home.

Brothers Derek Rodriguez-Hernandez, 2, and Jaden Hernandez, 10, were believed taken by their biological mother, Jackeline Hernandez-Torres, 30, said Los Angeles police.

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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.

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