Authorities searching for a missing infant in Yucaipa said Saturday the mother is no longer cooperating after investigators found inconsistencies in her story that the child was kidnapped outside a store.
The national Uvalde Foundation for Kids also called off its independent search for the 7-month-old boy, Emmanual Haro, as well as a $5,000 reward offer for information on the missing child — less than a day after launching the effort.
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The child’s mother, Rebecca Haro of Cabazon, initially told San Bernardino County Sheriff’s investigators that she was changing the baby’s diaper by her vehicle Thursday night, Aug. 14, outside a Big 5 store in Yucaipa when she was assaulted and knocked unconscious by an unknown male. When she awoke, the child was gone, she said.
Deputies were dispatched at 7:47 p.m. and searched unsuccessfully with K9 units from San Bernardino County and Riverside County sheriff’s departments for the child, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s statement.
Investigators interviewed multiple people, including the Rebecca Haro and the boy’s father, Jake Haro, but when confronted with inconsistencies in her initial story the mother declined to continue with the interview, sheriff’s officials said.
Detectives at this point are unable to rule out foul play, the department said.
Uvalde Foundation officials said late Saturday that the mother also had not responded to the group’s requests for information. Additionally, the foundation uncovered an abuse case involving the father of the missing child, that the group said raised additional concerns regarding the child’s welfare.
Riverside County Superior Court records show that Jake Mitchell Haro was convicted in June 2023 of felony willful child cruelty, dating back to a 2018 arrest in Hemet. Haro was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 48 months of probation, according to court records. A prison sentence of 72 months was suspended.
A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2 on an alleged probation violation.
Uvalde Foundation founder, Daniel Chapin 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…Something is not right in this whole picture.”
Anyone with relevant information can contact the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com