A mother alleging that her seven-month-old infant was abducted after she was rendered unconscious outside a store has declined to undergo a polygraph examination as requested by law enforcement.
Rebecca Haro was changing her son Emmanuel’s diaper in her car outside a Big 5 store in Yucaipa when she was reportedly struck from behind and awoke to discover the baby missing. Haro explained to NBC LA that she intended to change her baby’s diaper before entering the store and was taken by surprise by the sudden incident.
According to her attorney, Vincent Hughes, Haro’s refusal to take the polygraph test was due to emotional distress and concerns about the test’s reliability in court. Hughes emphasized that it is not advisable for anyone to consent to a lie detector test, given its lack of scientific validity.
Amid the investigation, authorities seized the vehicle belonging to Emmanuel’s father, who has a history of child abuse convictions. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department took possession of Haro’s car and conducted a search of the couple’s residence in Cabazon after detecting inconsistencies in the parents’ statements.
Emmanuel disappeared last Thursday under suspicious circumstances, prompting law enforcement to intervene. While the Haros initially cooperated with investigators by providing access to their phones and home, they later ceased collaboration.
Court records revealed that Jake Haro, Emmanuel’s father, was convicted of child cruelty in a prior case involving a different child. Hughes acknowledged Haro’s criminal history but emphasized that each case should be considered independently.
Emmanuel was last seen wearing a black onesie, and despite extensive search efforts, authorities have yet to locate him.