YUCAIPA, Calif. (KABC) — An organization announced it is pulling back its search teams and a reward once offered for information leading to a 7-month-old boy reported missing in Yucaipa.
This comes as investigators cast doubt on the mother’s story about her son, Emmanuel Haro, being kidnapped, and court records show a 2018 abuse charge against the boy’s father.
Over the weekend, detectives searched the family’s Cabazon home with K-9 units. On Monday morning, the house was quiet, but outside, cars slowed down and neighbors stopped by, hoping for answers.
“It broke my heart. I have my little baby, and I love her so much, and I can’t even imagine losing my child or anything happening to them,” said Maija Matthews from Morongo.
“It is just shocking. I want that baby found,” said Christina Topper from Palm Springs.
It all started Thursday evening when Emmanuel’s mother, Rebecca Haro, said she was attacked while changing her son’s diaper in a Big 5 parking lot in Yucaipa.
“I got him out of the car seat, and I laid him down so I could get his diapers ready, and somebody said, ‘Hola,’ and that’s all I remember. I saw white, and I fell on the floor, and as soon as I got up, I couldn’t find my son. I checked all around my truck,” Rebecca told Eyewitness News in an interview on Friday morning.
But on Saturday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the story Haro told detectives had inconsistencies, and when confronted about them, she ended the interview. They also said they can’t rule out foul play in the disappearance of Emmanuel.
The search continues for a 7-month-old boy who was reportedly kidnapped in Yucaipa.
A day earlier, Rebecca made an emotional plea to Eyewitness News.
“Just give him back to me. Please, don’t harm my son,” Rebecca said.
Since then, there’s been silence from Rebecca and her husband, Jake Haro, who, according to Riverside County records, pleaded guilty to willful cruelty to a child following a 2018 arrest.
The non-profit organization Uvalde Foundation for Kids had offered to help in the search and offered a $5,000 reward, but has now withdrawn it.
In a statement to Eyewitness News, the foundation said:
“We cannot in good conscience, utilize our team and resources when so much is missing in this case. Of particular concern to us lies within the inconsistencies in the details and the 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. We hope law enforcement will continue to pursue the case so that this precious child may be found and placed in a safe environment.”
On Sunday night, the community gathered in the parking lot of the Big 5 for a candlelight vigil to pray for Emmanuel’s safe return and answers.
“They’ll find out, and it’ll be soon, I’m sure, and everyone will have their answer, and we’re hoping that it’s not what we all assume… but we have to wait,” said Robin Rule from Yucaipa.
The couple has retained their own attorneys. Eyewitness News spoke to Jake’s attorney on Monday, who said his client intends to make a statement to clear the air about his 2018 child abuse conviction.
Concern and questions continue to grow over the whereabouts of a missing baby boy in Yucaipa
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