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INVESTIGATORS searching for Emmanuel Haro were attempting to get the child’s father to inadvertently reveal the location of the boy’s remains by bringing him along on their search efforts, a former prosecutor has said.
Officials in Riverside County released new details about the disappearance of little Emmanuel after charging parents, Jake Haro and Rebecca Haro, with murder with malice and filing a false police report on Tuesday.
Emmanuel could have been dead as early as August 5, eight days earlier than when Rebecca claimed her 7-month-old son was abducted from the parking lot of a sporting goods store on August 14 in Yucaipa, California, about 10 miles east of San Bernardino, according to authorities.
After San Bernardino police raided the Haros’ property in Cabazon on Friday and took the parents into custody, Jake was seen joining investigators as they combed an area near the 60 Freeway in Moreno Valley on Sunday.
Jake, who was shackled and wearing a red inmate jumpsuit, was on the remote, mountainous area about 10 miles from where Rebecca, 41, claimed Emmanuel was kidnapped.
However, San Bernardino police confirmed the 32-year-old father was not assisting officials in the search for his infant son.
But despite Jake’s seemingly uncooperative demeanor, investigators may have brought the father out to the rugged location in hopes that he make a careless mistake.
Bobby Taghavi, a former prosecutor at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in California, who is not involved in the Haros’ case, told The U.S. Sun that Jake’s presence at the scene could have created “psychological pressure.”
“Police sometimes bring a suspect to a search location not necessarily to have them lead the way, but to observe their reactions and test the truthfulness of their previous statements,” Taghavi said.
“It’s as much about reading body language and behavioral cues as it is about getting specific directions.
“Even if he wasn’t actively pointing investigators to a specific location, his presence at the scene can create psychological pressure.”
Taghavi, the Managing Partner at Sweet James law firm, added, “Investigators likely hoped he would either decide to cooperate or inadvertently reveal something through his reactions and demeanor.”
As of Wednesday, Emmanuel, who investigators believe is likely deceased, has not been located.
CHALLENGING SEARCH EFFORT
Taghavi, who was previously assigned to the Golden State Killer Task Force, said officials face a challenging battle in hopes of locating Emmanuel’s remains, but insisted it is not impossible.
“The primary challenges are time and terrain,” Taghavi said.
“Several weeks have now passed, and in remote areas like this, natural elements and wildlife can destroy, move, or scatter crucial evidence, making the search exponentially more difficult.
“While it becomes more challenging with each passing day, it’s certainly not impossible.
“We’ve seen cases where remains are recovered months or even years later through persistent investigation, advancing technology, and new tips from the public.
“Finding Emmanuel remains crucial, both for achieving justice and providing his family with the closure they desperately need.”
The disappearance of Emmanuel Haro
SAN Bernardino police are probing the disappearance of missing baby Emmanuel Haro. The U.S. Sun breaks down the timeline surrounding his disappearance.
August 14: Emmanuel’s mom, Rebecca, reports him missing. She claimed she was attacked near a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa.
August 15: San Bernardino cops issue a statement, saying the search for Emmanuel is ongoing. They reveal that he has not been found.
August 16: Cops say they cannot rule out foul play.
August 17: Police visit the Haro family home.
August 18: Police say they have conducted extensive searches in the Yucaipa and Cabazon areas. They also reveal that a large amount of surveillance footage has been reviewed.
August 19: San Bernardino cops probe an alleged sighting of Emmanuel. Police have also seized a car belonging to Emmanuel’s dad, Jake.
August 20: Cops say Emmanuel still hasn’t been found. Police also receive they are probing a fire that broke out near the Haro family home.
August 21: One week since Emmanuel disappeared.
August 22: Jake Haro and Rebecca Haro are arrested and charged with murder. Police continue to search for little Emmanuel.
August 26: The Riverside County District Attorney officially charged Jake and Rebecca Haro with murder with malice and filing a false police report.
September 4: Jake and Rebecca Haro will appear in court for their arraignment. They are being held on $1 million bail each.
‘KILLER’ PARENTS APPEAR IN COURT
Jake and Rebecca briefly appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon and are expected to be arraigned on murder charges and crimes of filing a false police report on September 4.
Rebecca wore a blue jail jumpsuit for the hearing, while Jake was in a red inmate uniform.
The two appeared in court after Rebecca spoke to a local news outlet, where she doubled down on claims that her 7-month-old was kidnapped – statements that police have already said are false.
In a jailhouse interview with Southern California News Group, Rebecca vehemently denied rumors that she planned to stage the kidnapping days before her son’s disappearance.
“I will not give up. I will not give up on my baby,” Rebecca told the outlet.
She appeared to cry as she added, “I want to be out looking for my baby.”
Rebecca then defended her husband Jake, calling him a “good dad.”
“He would never hurt a baby,” Rebecca added.
