THE case of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro has taken another heartbreaking turn with a haunting detail about the last time the baby was seen.
The situation unfolded after Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, were taken into custody on Friday morning, charged with murder when the case of their missing child shifted to a search for remains.
The couple was observed being removed from their Cabazon, California, home by police using an armored vehicle after their kidnapping claim was exposed as false, prompting a property search.
His mother reported Emmanuel missing on August 14 claiming he had been kidnapped during a diaper change in a parking lot.
She claimed to have been attacked and knocked out while her baby was snatched.
It was when she suddenly stopped cooperating with detectives that the story unravelled and they announced foul play couldn’t be ruled out.
And now a tragic new claim about the last time Emmanuel was seen has been revealed on a podcast.
According to Annie Elise, the host of the “Serialously” podcast, who spoke to News Nation on Friday, the baby hadn’t been seen for a month before his parents reported him missing.
“Because there has not been a family member who has said they have had eyes on him in the last month now,” she said.
“No one having seen him for weeks gave them a significant head start to hide evidence or relocate his remains, so this search might prove to be difficult. Yet, I remain optimistic that their digital footprint might reveal crucial clues soon,” she remarked.
She also claimed that cops found a bloody floorboard at the couple’s home though this has not been publicly verified by investigators.
She further described how officers meticulously searched the premises, “They were emptying garbage bins, sifting through trash, and examining the shed next to the house.”
“And it’s my understanding they also had been removing some floorboards from inside the house that potentially had blood on them.”
The thorough search included the use of helicopters, cadaver dogs and SWAT units.
It also led to the seizure of Jake’s vehicle and a trove of communications and footage including nearby CCTV.
CHILLING UPDATE
While investigators have not disclosed details about the evidence supporting the murder charges, they have revealed an unsettling detail about their activity at the property before the couple’s arrest.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Saturday night that they are investigating a report of child abuse that is connected to Emmanuel’s case.
Lt. Deirdre Vickers said officers were sent to the property on Thursday, the day before the Haros were arrested, regarding a report of child abuse, per the Orange County Register.
“Investigators responded to the location regarding the allegations, and the investigation remains ongoing,” the statement issued by Vickers said.
She added that no arrests were made in connection to the abuse report and that no further details will be issued.
It comes after several disturbing details have come to light about the Haro family.
Rebecca’s brother James Beushausen was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend Jaylynn Keith and trying to cover it up in 2017, according to CW affiliate KTLA.
It was also revealed that Jake had previously pleaded guilty to wilful child cruelty after his baby daughter was hospitalized with broken bones in 2018.
At just 10 weeks old, Emmanuel’s half-sister was “practically killed” by the abuse suffered at the hands Jake and mother Vanessa Avina, her family have said.
The little girl was left permanently blind, unable to walk or talk, and with only three percent brain function.
Promise, now seven, was adopted by Avina’s cousin who continues to care for her and Jake’s eldest son who was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, according to the cousin.
Jake was arrested in Hemet in 2018 for the abuse against Promise and sentenced to 180 days in jail and given 48 months of probation.
A prison sentence of 72 months was suspended, according to court records but he was scheduled to appear in court next month for an alleged probation violation.
Police also confirmed earlier this week that a two-year-old child had been removed from the family home after Emmanuel was reported missing.
SEARCH CONTINUES
It was after the couple were arrested on Friday that officials from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said they believe Emmanuel is dead and vowed to keep looking for his remains.
“Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur,” they said.
“It is believed Emmanuel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing.
“While these arrests mark a significant development, our focus remains on finding Emmanuel.”
Rebecca and Jake Haro are being held at the Riverside County Jail without bail and are scheduled to appear in court next week.
A candlelight vigil was held outside the property by members of the local community on Friday night as they desperately await answers.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the Sheriff’s Department for an update.
The disappearance of Emmanuel Haro
CALIFORNIA cops are probing the disappearance of missing baby Emmanuel Haro. The U.S. Sun breaks down the timeline surrounding his disappearance.
August 14: Emmanuel’s mom, Rebecca, reports him missing. She claimed 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. They reveal that he has not been found.
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. Police also probe a fire that broke out near the Haro family home. They confirm that a 2-year-old girl was removed from the property after Emmanuel was reported missing.
August 21: One week since Emmanuel disappeared. Cops called to Haro home on a child abuse report linked to the Emmanuel case. No arrests made.
August 22: Jake and Rebecca Haro arrested on murder charges. Police say they believe Emmanuel is dead and continue to search for him.
