California parents faked their 7-month-old’s kidnapping—now charged with infant’s murder

Both were arrested on Friday at their home in Cabazon and were charged with the murder of their 7-month-old son. Police confirmed on Friday evening that the kidnapping did not take place.

"This investigation began on August 14, 2025, as a reported kidnapping at the Big 5 in Yucaipa. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department immediately dedicated all available resources to locate seven-month-old Emmanuel Haro," police said.

"During the investigation thus far, numerous interviews have been conducted, search warrants have been served, digital and electronic evidence has been collected and closely analyzed. Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed [Emmanuel] is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing."

Footage released by police showed law enforcement officers storming the Haros' property, where the parents were confronted, cuffed, and appeared disheveled as they emerged from their home.

Mother Rebecca Haro had told investigators on August 14 that she was changing her baby boy when the now-debunked “kidnapping” occurred: “I was going to get the diaper and somebody said, ‘Hola,’ and I don’t remember anything since,” she told KTLA with tears in her eyes at the time. “I woke up here on the floor and I didn’t see Emmanuel.”

After the parents claimed that their child was kidnapped earlier in August, details started to emerge that did not add up for the police on the case. Additionally, the father had previously been convicted of child cruelty, and the mother stopped cooperating with police days after the case became public.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus said of the alleged murder, “The circumstances surrounding this investigation are tragic and we will continue to search for Emmanuel. I want to thank members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the community, and media for bringing attention to this case. I trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable.”