Crime
Jake Haro, father of baby Emmanuel Haro pleaded guilty to all charges in the murder case
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The father of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro has pleaded guilty to all charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with the infant’s death.
During what was scheduled as a felony settlement conference on Thursday, Jake Haro entered his guilty plea before a Riverside County judge.
Haro appeared visibly emotional and cried as he admitted to killing his infant son, whose remains have still not been found since his disappearance in May.
Prosecutors said the plea was entered directly to the judge, without any negotiated agreement between the defense and prosecution.
The charges include second-degree murder, assault of a child under eight causing great bodily injury resulting in death, and filing a false police report.
Haro now faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 3 in Riverside County Superior Court.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel’s mother, Rebecca Haro, who is also charged with murder and filing a false police report, has pleaded not guilty.
Her preliminary hearing is set for the same day as her husband’s sentencing, during which the court will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
The case began in August, when Rebecca Haro initially reported that her son had been kidnapped outside a Yucaipa store following an alleged assault.
Law enforcement officers, assisted by K-9 units, launched an extensive search for the missing infant. However, investigators later uncovered inconsistencies in her account, leading authorities to reclassify the case.
On August 22, both Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested in Cabazon after detectives concluded that the reported kidnapping had been fabricated.
Four days later, at a press conference, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin announced that investigators had evidence Emmanuel had been “severely abused over time” and said they had a strong indication of where his remains might be located, though none have yet been recovered.
Both parents have remained in custody on $1 million bail since their arrests.
As of now, investigators continue efforts to locate Emmanuel’s remains and gather additional evidence in the ongoing case.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.