A Cabazon man has changed his plea in a devastating case involving the death of his 7-month-old baby, Emmanuel. Jake Mitchell Haro, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Thursday, a month after his wife, Rebecca Rene Haro, 41, falsely claimed that their baby had been kidnapped, triggering an extensive police investigation.
The couple’s arrest came last month following the investigation into the disappearance of their infant son. Both Jake and Rebecca Haro face charges not only for murder but also for filing a false police report. Jake is expected to be sentenced on November 3, coinciding with Rebecca’s upcoming preliminary hearing.
Tragically, the couple has another child, a 2-year-old, who has been taken into custody by Riverside County Child Protective Services to ensure their safety.
Jake Haro has a concerning history, having been convicted in 2021 for cruelty to a child and, more recently, in 2024 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His past included an arrest warrant filed in October 2018 for child cruelty involving a baby girl, who was hospitalized with multiple broken bones. Investigators reported that he claimed to have accidentally injured her while bathing. Medical professionals observed severe injuries, including rib and skull fractures, which led to a conviction for felony child endangerment.
At a news conference last month, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin described baby Emmanuel as a victim of “child abuse over time,” ultimately stating that he had “succumbed to those injuries.” This case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse, bringing to light the importance of vigilance and protective measures for vulnerable children.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains affected by this heartbreaking situation, hoping for justice for baby Emmanuel and a safer environment for the couple’s surviving child.