County Failed Child, Sister Watched Brother Die

Attorneys representing Emmanuel Haro's 3-year-old sister have filed a lawsuit alleging Riverside County failed to protect the infant from his abusive parents, resulting in his death last year. The complaint asserts that the county's Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) did not follow its protocols, botching risk assessments after a gun was found in Rebecca Haro's purse in July 2024. This discovery violated her husband Jake Haro's probation from a 2023 child cruelty conviction, where his previous child suffered severe injuries.

Despite law enforcement finding a firearm accessible to the infant, a DPSS social worker visited the home 18 days later and found no safety threats, allegedly unaware of Jake Haro's prior conviction. Attorneys argue a proper risk assessment would have indicated a high risk of abuse, necessitating court intervention, which did not occur. Another social worker later identified neglect due to the unsecured gun but deemed the situation stabilized without further action. The lawsuit contends that Jake Haro physically abused the children afterward, and Emmanuel's sister witnessed her brother's death due to parental neglect, events the county could have prevented.

Jake and Rebecca Haro pleaded guilty to killing Emmanuel Haro. Jake Haro received a 25-year-to-life sentence, and Rebecca Haro was sentenced to 12 years and eight months. Emmanuel Haro's remains have not yet been located. DPSS stated they had not received the lawsuit but would review it upon arrival, emphasizing their deep concern for child safety and adherence to state laws regarding disclosure.