URGENT UPDATE: The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is demanding a minimum of 31 years in state prison for Jake Haro after he pleaded guilty to murdering his 7-month-old son, Emmanuel. This critical sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
Haro, 32, who resides in Cabazon, California, pleaded guilty on October 16 to charges of second-degree murder, assault on a child under 8 causing death, and filing a false police report. The prosecution argues that he deserves the maximum sentence allowed by law due to the horrific nature of the crime.
“Jake Haro murdered seven-month-old Emmanuel, but in reality, he comes before the court having taken the lives of two young children,” stated Assistant District Attorney Brandon Smith.
Emmanuel remains missing, and authorities have indicated that he died from prolonged abuse. The case has shocked the community, leading to public outcry and a makeshift memorial for the infant outside the Haro family’s home.
District Attorney Mike Hestrin previously reported that the murder and assault charges stemmed from the same incident, which complicates the potential sentencing. Under California law, the judge will likely impose the longer sentence, which for the assault charge could be up to 25 years to life.
In addition to the murder charge, Haro is facing repercussions for violating his probation related to a previous child abuse case involving his 10-week-old daughter, Carolina, who now suffers from cerebral palsy due to severe abuse. Smith has requested that Haro first serve a six-year sentence for this probation violation before beginning his term for Emmanuel’s murder.
On the contrary, Haro’s defense attorney, Allison Lowe, argues for leniency, advocating for a 15 years to life sentence instead, citing Haro’s early admission of guilt and his financial struggles prior to arrest. Lowe claims Haro was on disability and unable to pay fines.
Haro’s wife, Rebecca Haro, is also scheduled to appear in court on the same day. She has pleaded not guilty to the same charges as her husband and plans to contest a judge’s ruling regarding a document linked to a controversial police operation.
The case has garnered national attention, with local residents actively participating in search efforts and memorials for Emmanuel. Social media has amplified the public’s interest, with many sharing updates and forming a community around the ongoing investigation.
As the court date approaches, the community holds its breath, eager for justice for young Emmanuel. The outcome may set a precedent for similar cases of child abuse and murder in California, underscoring the critical need for legal accountability.
Stay tuned for live updates as this heartbreaking case unfolds in court.
