Jake Haro sentenced to over 30 years in prison for killing infant son and faking kidnapping
Jake Haro, charged with the murder of his son Emmanuel Haro and making a false report, appears for a hearing at Superior Court, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Riverside, Calif. , where he pleaded not guilty. Image Credit: Anjali Sharif-Paul/The Orange County Register
A California father, Jake Haro, has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for the murder of his 7-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro, following a case that initially gripped the nation as a kidnapping mystery.
Haro, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, child endangerment, and filing a false police report after investigators determined that his claim of a kidnapping was a fabricated cover-up for the baby’s death. The sentencing took place on Monday in Riverside County Superior Court, where Haro appeared visibly emotionless as the judge read the decision.
Judge Delivers Maximum Sentence in Baby Emmanuel’s Case
Judge Gary Polk handed Haro a 25-years-to-life sentence for murder, along with additional terms totaling six years and eight months for violating probation in a previous child abuse case. The sentences will run consecutively, meaning Haro must first serve his earlier punishment before beginning his life term.
“The man who was supposed to protect these defenseless children instead caused their pain,” Judge Polk said in court. “This is the most justice the court can deliver.”
In addition to the prison term, Haro was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the family.
The False Kidnapping That Shocked California
The case began on August 14, 2025, when Haro’s wife, Rebecca Haro, claimed she had been attacked outside a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa, and that their infant son had been kidnapped during the assault. The story prompted an intense search across multiple counties.
Jake and Rebecca appeared on local TV news pleading for their son’s return, saying Emmanuel was a “happy, healthy baby.” But within days, inconsistencies in their accounts raised suspicion. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, both parents stopped cooperating with investigators, leading to their arrest eight days later.
Despite extensive searches, baby Emmanuel’s remains have never been found. Authorities believe he died prior to the reported kidnapping.
Prior Child Abuse and Probation Violation
Haro’s record already included a disturbing 2023 child abuse case involving another child from a previous marriage. Court documents show the child suffered a partial skull fracture and brain hemorrhage, for which Haro pleaded guilty to willful child cruelty.
He was given probation and community service at the time, with the judge calling it “a second chance.” That decision now appears tragically misplaced, as Haro’s latest crimes reveal a pattern of escalating violence.
“The lies told in this case only deepened the tragedy of Emmanuel’s death,” said Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. “Today’s sentence brings a measure of justice, but nothing can undo the pain caused.”
Family’s Emotional Pleas for Justice
In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, Mary Beushausen, Emmanuel’s grandmother, spoke directly to Haro:
“I wish he could look at me and tell me why. He never let me meet my grandson. Everybody in my family is destroyed by this.”
Beushausen, who is also the mother of co-defendant Rebecca Haro, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence. Rebecca, meanwhile, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and filing a false police report and is set to return to court in January 2026.
Ongoing Investigation: Where Is Baby Emmanuel?
While Jake Haro’s conviction closes one chapter of the case, the mystery of Emmanuel’s body remains unsolved. Authorities continue to search for the infant’s remains as part of the ongoing investigation against Rebecca Haro.
Prosecutors have stated that Emmanuel is presumed dead, and investigators are working to determine the exact circumstances of his death and disposal.
FAQ – Jake Haro Sentencing and Baby Emmanuel Case (2025)
Q1: Who is Jake Haro?
Jake Haro is a 32-year-old father from Cabazon, California, convicted of killing his 7-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro, after initially claiming the baby had been kidnapped.
Q2: What sentence did Jake Haro receive?
Haro was sentenced to more than 30 years in prison, including 25 years to life for second-degree murder and additional years for probation violations related to a 2023 child abuse case.
Q3: What happened to baby Emmanuel?
Emmanuel’s body has never been found. Investigators believe he was killed before his parents falsely reported his kidnapping on August 14, 2025.
Q4: What was the fake kidnapping story?
Haro’s wife, Rebecca, claimed she was attacked outside a Big 5 store and that their son was kidnapped. The story turned out to be fabricated, leading to both parents’ arrest for murder.
Q5: Has Rebecca Haro been sentenced?
No. Rebecca Haro has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and filing a false police report. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 2026.
Q6: Did Jake Haro have a criminal record before this?
Yes. In 2023, Haro pleaded guilty to willful child cruelty involving another child, suffering serious head injuries. He was given probation and community service at that time.
Q7: What did the judge say during sentencing?
JudgeGary Polk said Haro’s crimes represented “a betrayal of trust” and that the sentence was the maximum allowed by law to ensure justice for baby Emmanuel.
Q8: What did the family say in court?
Emmanuel’s grandmother, Mary Beushausen, delivered an emotional statement, saying she never got to meet her grandson and demanded the maximum punishment for Haro.
Q9: Where did the case take place?
The case was heard at the Riverside County Superior Court in California.
Q10: Will there be further developments?
Yes. The investigation remains active, particularly regarding the location of Emmanuel’s remains and the ongoing trial of Rebecca Haro.
