Details Emerge on the Case of Missing Child Emmanuel Haro – Here’s What We Know So Far

Authorities now believe seven-month-old Emmanuel Haro is no longer alive. His parents are in custody in connection with the case, and the investigation has shifted from a missing persons report to a broader criminal inquiry. While legal proceedings are underway, the search for the boy’s remains continues.

The incident began on the evening of August 14, 2025, when the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) received a report of a missing seven-month-old child in the 34000 block of Yucaipa Boulevard.

According to KTLA 5, Rebecca Haro of Cabazon, California, said she, her husband Jake Haro, and their two other children were at a local park on the evening of August 14 for their son’s football practice. She left briefly to buy a mouthguard for her older son at a nearby Big 5 Sporting Goods store, bringing Emmanuel with her.

In a separate interview with ABC News, Rebecca recounted what happened next, “I got him out of the car seat, and I laid him down so I could get his diapers ready, and somebody said, ‘Hola,’ and that’s all I remember. I saw white, and I fell on the floor, and as soon as I got up, I couldn’t find my son. I checked all around my truck.”

Deputies from San Bernardino and Riverside Counties responded quickly and began searching the area with K9 units, but Emmanuel was not found. Given the circumstances, the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division took over the case.

As detectives looked into what happened, they interviewed Emmanuel’s parents and others connected to the case. They noticed inconsistencies in Rebecca’s account, and she later chose to stop speaking with investigators. In the days that followed, officials said they could not rule out the possibility of foul play.

Amid the investigation, the Haros made emotional appeals through the media, asking for their son’s safe return. “Just give him back to me. Please, don’t harm my son,” the 41-year-old mother said.

Jake, 32, also stated, “Whoever took my son, please return him…We just want him back. We won’t do anything to you. Just give us our son. Keep him safe, don’t hurt him, make sure you feed him and change him.”

On August 22, the investigation reached a turning point. Detectives from the SBSD Homicide Detail and Specialized Enforcement Division arrested Jake and Rebecca at their residence in Cabazon. Both were booked into Riverside County jail without bail on suspicion of murder under Penal Code 187.

In a statement posted to the department’s Facebook page, SBSD said, “Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmauel [sic] is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing.”

Investigators said the arrests followed the execution of multiple search warrants, interviews, and the analysis of digital and electronic evidence. No additional suspects are being sought.

On August 24, the search for Emmanuel continued along the westbound shoulder of the 60 Freeway near Gilman Springs Road in Moreno Valley. Cadaver dogs and the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team assisted in the operation.

Jake, in custody, was present at the scene wearing a red jail uniform, handcuffed and shackled, while assisting investigators. Authorities later confirmed that the operation concluded without locating the infant.

Despite the arrests, officials emphasize that the case remains active. “The circumstances surrounding this investigation are tragic and we will continue to search for Emmanuel,” said San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.

Dicus expressed his appreciation to the multiple agencies involved in the investigation, including law enforcement and district attorneys’ offices from both San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

He also acknowledged the role of the media and the public in keeping attention focused on the case. “I trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable,” the official added.

In a separate case drawing national attention, another child’s disappearance has ended in tragedy. On the night of July 19, Warren County 911 received a call just before 10 p.m. A man reported his 9-year-old daughter missing near Exit 22 of I-87 in Lake George, New York. He claimed she may have been abducted.

The caller was identified as a 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin of Canada. His daughter, Melina Frattolin, was the missing child. Following his call, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office began an immediate search.

But as the investigation unfolded, law enforcement noted inconsistencies in the father’s account. His timeline of events did not match the gathered evidence. Authorities later stated there was no indication that an abduction took place.

Search efforts expanded with the help of multiple agencies, including the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Ticonderoga Police Department, and several New York State law enforcement units. K9 teams and aviation resources were also involved.

Sadly, Melina was eventually located deceased in Ticonderoga, New York. Due to jurisdictional factors, the case has now been turned over to the New York State Police. Officials emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation now remains active, and a media briefing is expected on July 21.

The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of New York State released a statement following the discovery of Melina’s body. The message, attributed to PBA President James McCartney, expressed sorrow over the outcome of the search.

“The PBA of New York State is extremely saddened to learn of the death of Melina Galanis Frattolin,” the statement read. “Our PBA-member New York State Forest Rangers coordinated the search.”

According to the release, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer, also a PBA member, found Melina’s body while conducting a grid search in the Ticonderoga area.

The statement extended condolences to the girl’s family and acknowledged the emotional toll on officers involved in the case. “Our thoughts are also with our member Forest Rangers and ECOs dealing with the grief of this horrific tragedy,” James said.

News of Melina’s death has sparked a wave of emotional reactions online. As details of the case continue to unfold, many have taken to social media to express grief, frustration, and suspicion over the circumstances.

One person wrote, “The father’s story is not adding up. I hope I’m wrong.” Another commented, “I knew there was something wrong with this story right from the get go. They tried to cover it up. Dirtbags.”

Others called for accountability. “If it was a fabricated story on the father’s part I would look in to the parents of this child and get to the bottom of it all,” someone noted. “Clearly if the father isn’t being truthful about his story maybe he had something to do with it.[sic]”

Some responses were more emotional, reflecting the pain felt by many over the loss. “My heart as a mom truly breaks RIP sweet angel,” one person shared. Another wrote, “Come on please stop killing these beautiful children. Rest in peace sweet Angel. Prayers to her family.[sic]”

Calls for justice were echoed in several posts. “Lord please expose the person who did this to this baby girl. Just makes me sick,” one read. Another added, “Family is who killed her RIP beautiful girl.[sic]”

Shorter messages captured the raw grief many are feeling. “Heartbreaking!” one person wrote. Someone else added, “Omg! What type of monster would do this to this sweet, beautiful, innocent soul? This is extremely sad! Prayers for the family.” As the investigation continues, the public’s demand for answers grows louder.

Luciano, the father at the center of the investigation into Melina’s death, is known publicly as the founder of Gambella Coffee and a seasoned entrepreneur. His professional background spans multiple sectors, marked by a focus on building high-performing and culturally diverse businesses.

Born in the remote Ethiopian village of Gambella to an Ethiopian mother and an Italian father, Luciano grew up between two distinct worlds. He spent his early years among coffee plants on his family’s plantation and later in the structured elegance of Milan.

These formative experiences shaped a worldview grounded in cross-cultural understanding. Luciano pursued studies in the humanities and social sciences, and his company’s mission reflects his stated commitment to community and creativity.

He has described his entrepreneurial philosophy as one that prioritizes people over profit — a shift he attributes to a life-altering event in early 2019 that significantly impacted his health and outlook.

In recent years, he has been based in Montreal, Canada, where he lived with his daughter, Melina. Public biographical material paints a portrait of a devoted father, often describing Melina as his guiding light and the inspiration behind his personal and professional efforts.

He has spoken openly about raising her with a strong sense of identity, self-worth, and appreciation for global diversity.

As the investigation into Melina’s death continues, Luciano’s background has drawn increasing public interest. Authorities have not released additional information about his role in the case, but questions surrounding his initial report remain under scrutiny.