A BABY from California has been missing since Thursday after his mom claimed he was kidnapped during an attack in a parking lot.
In an update, investigators have said her story is riddled with “inconsistencies” and that “foul play cannot be ruled out”.
In San Bernardino County’s Yucaipa, a seven-month-old infant named Emmanuel Haro was reportedly taken from his mother’s vehicle while she was changing his diaper before heading into a sporting goods store.
Rebecca Haro informed investigators that she was struck from behind and lost consciousness, only to awaken shortly after and discover that her youngest son was gone.
A desperate search for the baby commenced, involving helicopters and K9 units at the Big 5 parking lot just before 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Dog units were unable to pick up a scent of Emmanuel at the scene, ABC News reported.
Despite their efforts, Emmanuel wasn’t found, leading the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office to issue a somber update on Saturday, noting: “The search for baby Emmanuel Haro continues; investigators cannot rule out foul play.”
The update was released following interviews conducted by the sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division with several individuals connected to the reported abduction.
Interviewees included Rebecca and Emmanuel’s father Jake Haro.
“During these interviews, Rebecca faced questions about inconsistencies in her initial account and chose not to proceed with the interview,” stated the update.
“At this point in the investigation, investigators are unable to rule out foul play in the disappearance of Emmanuel.”
The update came moments after the Uvalde Foundation for Kids scrapped its independent search efforts along with its $5,000 reward for information not even a day after it began.
“We cannot in good conscience, utilize our team and resources when so much is missing in this case,” Ulvade Foundation founder Daniel Chapin said.
“Of particular concern to us lies within the inconsistencies in the details and sudden decision by the mother to end communication with law enforcement and our team originally prepared to help.
“Tell me, what parent would do that who was missing a child?
“Something is not right in this whole picture.”
DAD’S DARK PAST
As well as Rebecca’s sudden lack of cooperation, the foundation also said it had learned of a past abuse case involving Emmanuel’s father Jake.
According to Riverside County Superior Court records seen by the San Bernardino Sun, Jake was convicted of wilful child cruelty in June 2023 following an arrest in Hemet in 2018.
He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 48 months of probation for the felony offense, the outlet reported.
It added that a prison sentence of 72 months was suspended.
An alleged probation violation hearing is reportedly set for September 2.
“We hope law enforcement will continue to pursue the case so that this precious child may be found and placed in a safe environment,” Chapin added.
Investigators continue to search for Emmanuel who was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie.
He has brown hair, brown eyes, is cross-eyed, and weighs about 21 pounds and is around 24 inches tall.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the Sheriff’s Department for an update in the case and regarding the welfare of Rebecca’s other children.
Anyone with any information regarding the case can contact 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.
