Child Was Tortured To Death

A newborn baby lying on a soft blanket, crying with a distressed expression

A California mother stands accused of torturing her seven-month-old son to death alongside her husband—a known child abuser who received probation instead of prison time for his previous crimes, exposing catastrophic failures in the justice system that cost an innocent baby his life.

Story Snapshot

Rebecca Haro faces murder charges after allegedly participating in the torture and death of infant Emmanuel with husband Jake Haro
Jake Haro received probation in 2018 for severely abusing another child, enabling him to kill again—a judicial decision prosecutors call an “outrageous error”
The baby’s grandmother was blocked from contact, prevented from detecting abuse that authorities believe occurred over time
Rebecca Haro pleaded not guilty and remains held on $1 million bail while Jake serves 25 years to life

Fake Kidnapping Story Unravels

Rebecca Haro reported her seven-month-old son Emmanuel missing on August 14, 2025, claiming an unknown assailant attacked her while changing the baby’s diaper in a Yucaipa parking lot. Within days, investigators determined the kidnapping never occurred. Rebecca’s account contradicted evidence uncovered during police interviews, and she refused to continue cooperating with law enforcement. On August 22, authorities arrested both parents at their Cabazon residence on murder charges, concluding Emmanuel died from prolonged physical abuse inflicted by his own parents.

Pattern of Violence Ignored by Courts

Jake Haro’s criminal history reveals a disturbing pattern authorities failed to stop. In 2018, he severely abused another child from a previous relationship, leaving that child bedridden. Instead of imprisonment, a judge granted probation—a decision Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin later condemned as an “outrageous error in judgment.” This leniency allowed Jake to remain free, creating the conditions for Emmanuel’s death. Judge Gary Polk noted during sentencing that Jake was on probation for child abuse when he killed Emmanuel and was out on bail in two cases, including one involving abuse of his daughter.

Isolation Enabled Abuse and Murder

Jake Haro controlled Rebecca through isolation tactics, severing her connections with family members who could have intervened. The baby’s maternal grandmother, Mary Beushausen, testified she was prevented from meeting Emmanuel and noticed her daughter changed dramatically after living with Jake. She stated she would have forcibly removed Rebecca or contacted police if she had known about the abuse occurring inside the home. This isolation strategy created an environment where repeated abuse could escalate to murder without detection, demonstrating how abusers exploit family dynamics to continue their violence.

System Failures Enable Preventable Tragedy

District Attorney Hestrin characterized Emmanuel’s murder as “preventable in numerous ways,” pointing to multiple system breakdowns. Jake Haro was identified as an “experienced child abuser” who should have been imprisoned in 2018. Prosecutors believe Emmanuel suffered abuse over an extended period before succumbing to his injuries. The case exposes California’s soft-on-crime approach that prioritizes rehabilitation over public safety, even for repeat violent offenders. Judge Polk imposed the maximum sentence available—25 years to life plus six additional years—but acknowledged the limitations of justice when systemic failures enabled the crime.

Mother’s Trial Proceeds Despite Guilty Plea

While Jake Haro pleaded guilty in October 2025 and received his sentence the following month, Rebecca Haro maintains her innocence. She remains held on $1 million bail with her case pending as of January 2026. Prosecutors believe both parents were aware of the abuse that killed Emmanuel, though Rebecca’s specific degree of participation remains to be established at trial. The amended complaint against her continues through preliminary hearings, with prosecutors preparing evidence showing her knowledge and involvement in the prolonged abuse. Her haggard appearance in court reflects the gravity of charges alleging she tortured her own infant son.

Remains Still Missing Despite Conviction

Authorities indicated in late August 2025 they had a “pretty strong indication” of Emmanuel’s remains location, and Jake Haro was observed searching a field near the 60 freeway in Moreno Valley. However, as of early 2026, Emmanuel’s body has not been recovered or publicly announced as located. This adds another layer of tragedy for the family, particularly grandmother Mary Beushausen, who described her entire family as “destroyed by this.” The failure to recover Emmanuel’s remains denies the family closure and proper burial, compounding the devastating impact of judicial leniency that enabled this preventable murder.