Crime
Jake Haro sentenced to 25 years to Life for the murder of Emmanuel Haro
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — Jake Haro, who previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his seven-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro, was scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Monday.
The hearing, initially set for 8:30 a.m., was postponed until 2 p.m., according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
Just over two weeks ago, during a felony settlement conference, Haro entered guilty pleas to second-degree murder, child endangerment, and filing a false police report.
Under the terms of his plea, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
The case began more than two months ago when Rebecca Haro, Emmanuel’s mother, reported the infant missing.
A week later, both Rebecca and Jake Haro were arrested at their Cabazon residence and formally charged with murder.
While Jake has since admitted guilt, Rebecca Haro continues to maintain her innocence, having pleaded not guilty. Her felony settlement conference is currently scheduled for January 21.
A sentencing memorandum filed by prosecutors outlines Haro’s prior history of child abuse, detailing a 2023 case involving his young daughter, Carolina Haro. In that incident, Carolina sustained multiple rib and skull fractures.
Haro later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 180 days in county jail, with a six-year prison term suspended as part of his probation.
In the current proceedings, prosecutors have requested that Haro first serve the upper six-year term related to Carolina’s abuse case, followed by the 25-years-to-life sentence for Emmanuel’s murder.
Deputy District Attorney Brandon Smith, in his sentencing recommendation, condemned Haro’s actions in stark terms, writing:
“If there are lower forms of evil in this world, I am not aware of them.”
The court is expected to issue a formal sentencing decision following Monday’s afternoon hearing.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.