A Riverside judge sentenced Jake Haro, 32, to over 30 years in prison on Monday after he pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of his seven-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro. Despite extensive investigations, Emmanuel’s body has not been found, and he is presumed dead.
Haro and his wife, Rebecca, initially reported their son as kidnapped, claiming Rebecca was attacked while changing Emmanuel’s diaper. The report led to a widespread search, but inconsistencies in their story led to their arrest in Cabazon, California, just over a week later.
Superior Court Judge Gary Polk sentenced Haro to 25 years to life for assault on a child under eight causing death, along with additional time for a probation violation and other charges. The sentences will run consecutively, totaling over 30 years. Haro was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.
In court, Judge Polk said, “Mr. Haro, the man who was supposed to protect these defenseless children… the sentence here is the most that the court can do to ensure that as much justice is done as possible.”
In a previous case, Haro pleaded guilty to child endangerment after causing severe injuries to his then-10-month-old daughter, for which he received a six-year suspended sentence. Prosecutors argued that this sentence should now be enforced.
Rebecca Haro, 41, has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $1 million bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January. Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin stated, “The lies told in this case only deepened the tragedy of Emmanuel’s death.”
The case remains under scrutiny as the prosecution continues against Rebecca Haro. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has refrained from further comments due to ongoing proceedings.
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