Yucaipa, California — The parents of a missing 7-month-old boy are reportedly cooperating with authorities despite previous claims to the contrary, according to an attorney representing the child’s father. Emmanuel Haro was last seen on August 14 when his mother, Rebecca Haro, reported an assault while she was changing his diaper in a parking lot.
Rebecca Haro stated she lost consciousness during the incident, and when she came to, her son was missing. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department indicated that inconsistencies in her statements led to a halt in her cooperation with the investigation.
However, Vincent Hughes, who is representing the child’s father, Jake Haro, insists that both parents have been available to law enforcement throughout the case. “Mom and dad have made themselves available to law enforcement throughout the investigation,” Hughes stated. He added that while Rebecca did not take a lie detector test, there is no legal requirement for her to do so.
Hughes noted he could not discuss specific inconsistencies because the parents have not been informed of them. He also mentioned that he believed Jake Haro has not taken a polygraph test either, although he could not confirm that for sure. The request for these tests followed the presentation of surveillance footage from the night Emmanuel disappeared. Hughes described the video as grainy, depicting the parking lot and several vehicles, with a figure in black appearing to fall and then rise again.
On Sunday, authorities seized electronic devices from the couple’s home in Cabazon, and Hughes confirmed that the parents provided not only the items specified in the search warrant but also access to their passwords. The day prior, Jake Haro had contacted investigators about a potential sighting of Emmanuel at a gas station in Bakersfield, although Hughes could not confirm any follow-up on that lead.
Hughes expressed frustration at what he described as misinformation circulating in the community, stating it has turned public opinion against the Haros. “Now everybody hates them, and they’re demons,” he said. He emphasized that, despite no arrests or charges, the couple has faced intense scrutiny.
In an additional development, Hughes confirmed that the couple’s 2-year-old child has been placed in protective custody. According to him, the Haros voluntarily brought their other child to Child Protective Services, receiving limited information that the action was connected to the investigation into Emmanuel’s case.
Jake Haro has a prior history involving child cruelty charges from nearly four years ago, when an infant in their care was discovered with multiple injuries. Hughes clarified that Jake completed parenting classes as part of his sentencing and has taken responsibility for his past actions. He expressed disbelief that a prior conviction should immediately brand someone as a child abuser.
Amidst mounting pressure and public sentiment, Hughes reiterated that both parents remain focused on finding their missing son. “I don’t believe mom and dad did it,” he said, adding that Jake’s family shares the same conviction.
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, searching for any sign of little Emmanuel while grappling with the complexities surrounding the case.
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