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.
