Crime
Rebecca Haro Arrested in Death of 7-Month-Old Emmanuel Haro, Authorities Call It Murder With Malice Intent
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. — Authorities have confirmed the arrests of Jake Haro and Rebecca Renee Haro in connection with the death of their 7-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrests on Friday, describing the case as a homicide carried out with malice aforethought.
According to investigators, Emmanuel’s mother, Rebecca Haro, initially reported that her son had been kidnapped from a parking lot while she was changing his diaper. However, further investigation revealed evidence contradicting her account, leading to her arrest.
Rebecca Renee Haro has since been booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of murder with malice.
She is being held without bail, and court records indicate her next hearing is scheduled for August 26, 2025, at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
Authorities also confirmed that her husband, Jake Haro, was arrested in connection with the case, though his booking information has not yet been publicly posted.
Officials noted that this could mean he is still in the process of being booked, or that his records have not yet been made available.
The case has drawn public outrage, particularly given Jake Haro’s criminal history.
He was reportedly on probation for previously injuring a baby and was out on bond for an unrelated firearm possession charge at the time of Emmanuel’s death.
Community members and legal experts are questioning how Haro was able to remain free despite his record, with many pointing to broader concerns about California’s criminal justice and bail system.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has not released further details about the circumstances of Emmanuel’s death, citing the ongoing investigation.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.