THE parents of a seven-month-old baby boy from Southern California have been arrested on suspicion of murder, after his mother initially reported him missing, authorities said on Friday.
Detectives from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, at their home in Cabazon. Both were booked into a Riverside County jail and are being held without bail.
Investigators believe their son, Emmanuel Haro, is dead, although the search for his remains continues.
“While these arrests mark a significant development, our focus remains on finding Emmanuel,” the sheriff’s department said.
The case began on 14 August, when Rebecca Haro told police her son had been abducted outside a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa, about 70 miles east of Los Angeles. She initially claimed she was changing Emmanuel’s nappy in her vehicle when a stranger struck her unconscious, and that the baby was gone when she awoke.
However, detectives said she later refused to continue her interview after being confronted with inconsistencies in her statement. By Friday, investigators concluded that no kidnapping had taken place.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said: “I trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable.”
The sheriff’s department confirmed that no other suspects are being sought.
The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, a charity which had offered a $5,000 (£3,900) reward and pledged to mount an independent search, cancelled both earlier this week.
Jake Haro’s lawyer could not be reached for comment. It remains unclear whether Rebecca Haro has legal representation.
