Authorities in California are not dismissing the possibility of foul play in the case of Emmanuel Haro, an infant reportedly taken from a retail parking area in San Bernardino County.
Over the weekend, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement indicating that after speaking with the infant’s mother, Rebecca Haro, officers noticed discrepancies in her account, prompting her to request legal representation.
“Rebecca was questioned about inconsistencies in her story and chose not to proceed with the interview,” stated the sheriff’s office in their announcement.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Rebecca Haro claimed she woke up to find Emmanuel missing after someone reportedly knocked her unconscious.
Haro and the 7-month-old reportedly went to a Big 5 Sporting Goods on Thursday to purchase a mouth guard for her older son.
Haro’s other two children and her husband, Jake Haro, stayed at the local park where their son had football practice.
“I parked over here right at the edge,” she described to KTLA reporter Ellina Abovian. “While I was driving, I smelled that the baby needed a diaper change, so I reassured him saying, ‘Don’t worry, we’re going to fix it.'”
Rebecca Haro explained that she stopped her car and began to change Emmanuel’s diaper in the parking area. She recalled an unknown individual greeting her, but said she remembered nothing further.
“I was reaching for the diaper, and someone greeted me with ‘Hola,’ and that’s the last thing I recall,” she said, visibly upset. “I came to on the ground and couldn’t find Emmanuel anywhere.”
Meanwhile, The U.S. Sun reported that, in addition to the mother’s refusal to clarify statements without a lawyer, her husband’s past criminal background has come into focus.
Jake Haro reportedly has a June 2023 conviction of willful child cruelty, following a 2018 arrest in Hemet. The felony offense resulted in a 72-month suspended sentence with 180 days in jail and 48 months of probation.
Emmanuel was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie. He is described as having brown hair and brown eyes, with one eye being crossed. The infant is about 21 pounds and approximately 24 inches tall.
This is an open investigation, and the search for Emmanuel continues.
If anyone has any information on this case or the whereabouts of baby Emmanuel, you are encouraged to call the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904.
Anonymous tips can also be sent in to We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or at wetip.com.
[Feature Photo: Family Handout]
