The parents of a 7-month-old child from Southern California, who were initially thought to be involved in a kidnapping, have been arrested on murder charges, authorities announced Friday. 

Jake Haro, aged 32, and Rebecca Haro, aged 41, were apprehended at their residence in Cabazon, located 90 miles east of Los Angeles, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. The department stated that their search for Emmanuel Haro would persist. 

“This investigation presents tragic circumstances, and our efforts to locate Emmanuel will continue,” stated San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus. “I have faith that the justice system will ensure the parents face the consequences they deserve.”

The disappearance of the child was reported on August 14. His mother shared with investigators that the family had gone to their children’s football practice, and subsequently stopped at a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa to purchase a mouthguard.

A law enforcement officer stands in front of a memorial to Emmanuel Haro.  (San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department)

The sheriff’s department released footage on social media depicting both parents being escorted from their home in handcuffs and placed into police vehicles. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to Vincent Hughes, an attorney for Jake Haro.

Jake Haro previously pleaded guilty to child cruelty charges in Riverside County in a separate case in 2018, Fox Los Angeles reported. 

At the time of Friday’s arrest, he was on probation after he was convicted of those charges and jailed in 2023. 

“Contrary to reports, he did not serve a four-year sentence in state prison. He accepted a plea deal,” Hughes clarified. “He admitted to his involvement in that incident, which resulted in multiple convictions beyond just his own.” 

The case immediately drew attention from advocacy groups, including the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, which initially offered a $5,000 reward for Emmanuel’s recovery. However, less than a day later, the foundation withdrew its support.

Police are continuing their search for missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro as investigators say his parents aren’t cooperating.  (The AWARE Foundation Inc. )

In a statement, the foundation said it was “cautiously optimistic” that news of Friday’s arrests “illustrates the tenacity and dedication” of investigators to find answers. 

“Our foundation has suspected foul play from the very beginning and will now be reassessing how we might provide support and aide to the community at this time,” the foundation said in a statement. “First and foremost the focus will be on recovering Emmanuel. He deserves at least that much …”

In another statement, Daniel Chapin, founder of the Uvalde Foundation For Kids, called for a full investigation into Emmanuel’s disappearance, including his grandmother. 

“The grandmother’s involvement, or lack thereof, must be fully examined,” Chapin said. “We are calling on law enforcement to investigate every possible angle and person connected to this tragedy. The community deserves answers, and this precious child deserves justice. We will continue to advocate for Emmanuel until every person responsible is held accountable.”