RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The father of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and several related charges in connection with the infant’s death, bringing a tragic end to a months-long search for answers in a case that has shaken the Riverside community.
During what was meant to be a felony settlement conference on Thursday, Jake Haro entered his guilty plea before a Riverside County judge. According to court officials, Haro became visibly emotional and wept as he admitted to killing his baby son — whose remains have not been found since his disappearance in May. Prosecutors confirmed the plea was made directly to the judge, without any negotiated deal between the defense and prosecution.
The charges against Haro include second-degree murder, assault on a child under eight causing great bodily injury resulting in death, and filing a false police report. With the plea, Haro now faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 3 in Riverside County Superior Court, where the final judgment will be delivered.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel’s mother, Rebecca Haro, who is also charged with murder and filing a false police report, has pleaded not guilty. Her preliminary hearing is set for the same day as her husband’s sentencing. During that hearing, the court will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a full trial.
The case began in August, when Rebecca initially reported that her baby had been kidnapped outside a Yucaipa store after she was allegedly attacked. The report prompted a massive search involving local law enforcement and K-9 units. However, investigators soon found major inconsistencies in her account. The case was quickly reclassified from a kidnapping to a homicide investigation.
On August 22, detectives arrested both Jake and Rebecca in Cabazon after concluding that the kidnapping story had been fabricated. Four days later, District Attorney Mike Hestrin announced that investigators had uncovered evidence suggesting Emmanuel had been “severely abused over time.” Despite ongoing searches, the baby’s remains have not yet been located. Both parents remain held on $1 million bail, as investigators continue their efforts to find Emmanuel and uncover the full truth behind the heartbreaking case.