Despite statements from law enforcement, the parents of a missing 7-month-old boy last seen in Yucaipa are cooperating with the investigation, an attorney for the baby’s father said Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Emmanuel Haro vanished from a parking lot after his mother, Rebecca Haro, reported she was attacked while changing her son’s diaper by her vehicle on Aug. 14. She told investigators she was knocked unconscious, and when she awoke, Emmanuel was gone.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department previously said that after being confronted with inconsistencies in her statements, Rebecca Haro stopped cooperating with investigators.
Vincent Hughes, an attorney representing Emmanuel’s father, Jake Haro in a separate case, disputed that claim.
“Mom and dad have made themselves available to law enforcement throughout the investigation,” Hughes said. “The one thing mom did not do was submit to a lie detector test. There is no requirement that she submit herself to a test that’s not admissible (in court) in the first place.”
Hughes added that he could not address the alleged inconsistencies because Rebecca and Jake Haro have not been told what those inconsistencies are.
Hughes also said he did not believe Jake Haro took a polygraph either, based on past conversations, though he could not say for certain.
The request for the tests came after investigators showed the couple surveillance video from the night Emmanuel disappeared, Hughes said. He has not seen the footage himself but said Jake Haro described it as grainy video of the parking lot, showing the Big 5 sign and more than one car door open. A figure in all black appears to fall to the ground, then get up again, Hughes said.
“They tried to play the parents against each other with the video,” Hughes said.
On Sunday, investigators seized electronics from the Haros’ Cabazon home. Hughes said the couple not only turned over the items listed in the search warrant, but also provided passwords.
The day before, Hughes said, Jake Haro contacted investigators to report a possible sighting of Emmanuel at a gas station in Bakersfield. Hughes could not confirm whether the report was investigated, noting the family’s electronics remain in law enforcement custody.
“If they’re not cooperating, that’s one hell of a way of not cooperating,” Hughes said. “Whatever the outcome, Jake wants his son found. This whole family wants their son found.”
Hughes said misinformation circulating online has turned the community against Jake and Rebecca Haro, despite no arrests or charges.
“Now everybody hates them, and they’re demons,” Hughes said. “In the court of public opinion, they are judge, jury and executioner.”
Hughes confirmed that Jake and Rebecca Haro’s other child has been removed from the home. He said the couple voluntarily brought their 2-year-old to Child and Protective Services, and were told only that it was related to the ongoing investigation into Emmanuel’s disappearance.
Almost four years ago, Jake Haro and a woman named Vanessa Haro were charged with willful child cruelty in Riverside County after an infant in their care was found with multiple injuries, including several broken bones. Hughes said Jake Haro completed parenting classes as part of his sentence and accepted responsibility for his role.
“Jake is not saying he’s an angel. He’s not running from it,” Hughes said. “I don’t know how having a record automatically makes you a child killer.”
Hughes emphasized that both parents remain focused on finding their missing son.
“I don’t believe mom and dad did it,” Hughes said. “Jake’s whole family doesn’t think Jake or Rebecca had anything to do with it.”