The search continues with the seven-month Emmanuel Halo, believed to have died. This is what we know.
Emmanuel Halo’s parents were arrested at Cabazon’s home
Emmanuel Haro’s parents were arrested at Cabazon’s home Friday morning.
FOX -LA
California Sheriff’s deputies are still searching for a missing toddler after their parents were arrested for murder.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Jake and Rebecca Halo at their Southern California home on August 22nd. The boy’s mother initially told authorities that seven-month-old Emmanuel was lured on August 14th. Investigators decided that the invitation would never happen.
The Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to an August 23 request for comment.
This is what we know about the incident.
What was the first call?
On the evening of August 14th, lawmakers attended the Big 5 Sports Goods Store in Yukaipa. This is about 20 miles from the Kabazon house, about 20 miles from the Halo tribe of Cabazon, a desert community of the Inland Empire, less than 20 miles from Palm Springs. Rebecca Halo, 41, told officials that while standing outside the car in the parking lot with her son’s diaper changed, she was physically attacked by an unknown man who left her unconscious, according to a sheriff’s news release. When she came she explained to the officials, and her young son was gone.
As reported by local news station KTLA, friends and family gathered in the Big 5 parking lot to do a search. Rebecca Halo, with visible dark eyes, told reporters that she and her husband Jake Halo, 32, and her two other children were in a nearby park to practice soccer for her older son.
Around 7pm, she drove to the Big 5 to buy a mouthguard for her older son. In the parking lot, she says she has to change the baby’s diaper when attacked. There were no witnesses, the KTLA reported.
Deputies then began a search, but said they found a contradiction with Rebecca Halo’s original statement. When she was asked about those inconsistencies, she stopped talking to officials, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies say they can’t eliminate foul plays for losing a toddler.
What happened in the search?
On August 18, the Sheriff’s Office said investigators had “conducted an extensive search” in Yucaipa and Emmanuel’s Cabazon. They were also reviewing surveillance videos. Community members began reporting information including possible sightings, but staff were unable to find the infant.
On August 20, the Sheriff’s Office said Emmanuel remains the main focus of the investigation. Department spokesman Mara Rodriguez confirmed to USA Today that investigators seized a vehicle belonging to Jake Haro for evidence processing.
Locals established a small monument for the boy with toys and signs such as “Where is Baby Emmanuel?” The Los Angeles Times reported that residents had stayed up the boy’s all night on August 21.
How were your parents arrested?
On August 22nd, deputies arrested Jake and Rebecca Halo at home. The LA Times reported that an armored vehicle plunged through the main gate.
Deputies booked them at the county jail without bail. Authorities said there were no other suspects.
“Though these arrests show significant developments, our focus remains on finding Emmanuel,” said an August 22 news release from the Sheriff’s Department.
After the arrest of his parents, a crowd gathered outside the house.
Jake Haro’s previous criminal crimes
Jake Halo was convicted in June 2023 of Willful child atrocities in a case involving another child in Hemet in a nearby town, according to state court records obtained by USA Today. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 2 for a lawsuit over allegations that he violated the terms of his probation, the documents say.
The charges stem from an incident in which Halo told police that he had bathed a baby girl in the kitchen sink. He said he accidentally dropped her in the bath. The LA Times reported that the girl’s injuries did not suit the story.
Vincent Hughes, who represents Jake Halo in the 2023 child abuse case, told the LA Times that the incident had nothing to do with Emmanuel.
“Jake has a criminal past,” Hughes said. “We haven’t run away from it, but the facts of that case are very different from the facts of this case. And one crime doesn’t mean that you committed all the other crimes known to a man, especially to bring your own children.”
The lawyer also told the outlet that Jake Halo and his wife “just want to get their son back,” adding, “I want them to do the same effort they’re going out and looking for Emmanuel.”
USA Today contacted Hughes on August 23rd but did not receive a response.
