THE California man accused of killing his seven-month-old son should never have been let out of jail in the first place, officials admitted.
However, prosecutors slammed the public for spreading “misinformation” that might distract from the case of little Emmanuel Haro, whose body has still not been recovered.
Jake Haro appearing for a hearing in Riverside, California, on September 4[/caption]
Emmanuel Haro, who police believe is dead[/caption]
Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin speaking at a press conference on August 27, 2025 after Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested[/caption]
Jake Haro, Emmanuel’s dad, pleaded guilty in 2018 to abusing his newborn daughter so severely that she was left permanently disabled.
He received a suspended sentence and was ordered to serve 180 days in a work release program and probation.
Jake, 32, allegedly violated his parole in 2024 and was jailed briefly before posting bail. Emmanuel hadn’t been born at the time.
Now, Jake and his wife, 41-year-old Rebecca Haro, have been charged with murdering their son and trying to cover it up. They’ve pleaded not guilty.
Since Jake’s disturbing criminal history came to light, court officials have faced backlash claiming Emmanuel would still be alive if Jake had been properly sentenced to jail time in 2023.
Now, the District Attorney’s Office of Riverside County has called out a “significant amount of misinformation” about Jake’s previous criminal case — because the DA already agreed at the time that he should’ve been locked up.
‘DO NOT LOSE SIGHT’
In a lengthy statement released on Thursday, the DA’s office clarified that they strongly opposed Jake’s probation at the time, but that their hands had been tied because of his plea deal.
“We made this objection in open court and on the record. Our objection was made based on seriousness of the injuries Mr. Haro inflicted on his then-10-week-old daughter,” the statement said.
The little girl, who was adopted by her mom’s family members, was left permanently blind, unable to walk or talk, and with only three percent of brain function.
The DA’s office slammed the judge’s decision as an “inappropriate use of discretion.”
However, they urged the public to stay focused on securing justice for Emmanuel rather than focusing on past rulings.
“Our office’s primary focus remains providing justice for Baby Emmanuel,” prosecutors said.
“It is essential that we do not lose sight of who is truly responsible for the loss of life at issue in this case and focus our time and energy on ensuring justice for Baby Emmanuel.”
This isn’t the first time that officials have slammed the ruling to let Jake go free.
The disappearance of Emmanuel Haro
CALIFORNIA cops are still searching for Emmanuel Haro. His mom, Rebecca, claimed her seven-month-old son was snatched after being ambushed while changing his diaper. But, she and her husband Jake now face murder charges.
August 14: Emmanuel’s mom, Rebecca, reports him missing at 7:47 pm. She claims she was attacked near a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa.
August 15: San Bernardino cops issue a statement saying the search for Emmanuel is ongoing.
August 16: Cops say they cannot rule out foul play.
August 17: Police visit the Haro family home.
August 18: Police say they have conducted extensive searches in the Yucaipa and Cabazon areas. They also reveal that a large amount of surveillance footage has been reviewed.
August 19: San Bernardino cops probe an alleged sighting of Emmanuel. Police have also seized a car belonging to Emmanuel’s dad, Jake.
August 20: Cops say Emmanuel still hasn’t been found.
August 21: One week since Emmanuel was reported missing. Cops search a home in the Cottonwood Avenue area.
August 22: Jake Haro and Rebecca Haro are arrested at their home and charged with murder. Police continue to search for little Emmanuel.
August 24: Jake, wearing prison overalls, joins cops as they search an area near the 60 Freeway in Moreno Valley. Emmanuel still hasn’t been found.
August 26: Jake and Rebecca appear in California court and have their bond set at $1 million.
August 27: Officials say at a press conference that they believe Emmanuel died from prolonged abuse and they have a “pretty strong indication” of where his body is.
September 4: Rebecca and Jake plead not guilty.
September 16: The Haros are set to appear at a felony settlement conference.
Mike Hestrin, the Riverside County District Attorney, previously slammed the call as “outrageous.”
“If that judge had done his job as he should have done, Emmanuel would be alive today,” Hestrin said.
Jake and Rebecca are expected to appear in court on Tuesday, as prosecutors and lawyers are discussing a possible plea agreement.
Jake Haro, 32, is held in jail on a $1 million bond[/caption]
Rebecca Haro, 41, is charged with murder and filing a false police report[/caption]
FIND HIM
The search for Emmanuel continues after cops even brought Jake out in his jail jumpsuit to help search for his missing son.
Cops believe the baby boy is dead from prolonged abuse.
Rebecca reported Emmanuel missing on August 14 and claimed he was kidnapped after she was attacked in a Big 5 parking lot in Yucaipa, about 70 miles east of Los Angeles.
However, cops quickly began to find inconsistencies in the parents’ story, despite their urgent pleas for the public to help search for their child.
Investigators searched the parents’ Cabazon home multiple times before arresting and charging the pair.
In a statement from jail, Jake insisted that his wife is innocent.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800 422 4453 or live chat at https://www.childhelphotline.org/.
If a child or other person is in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately.
