Family’s Tragic Infant Death Spurs Lawsuit Claiming Riverside Social Services Negligence

A civil action filed in Riverside County Superior Court on behalf of the three-year-old sister of the late infant Emmanuel Haro claims the county’s Department of Public Social Services mishandled a June 2024 abuse report. The complaint notes that Jake Haro, who had a documented history of child cruelty dating back to 2018, was still living with his new wife Rebecca when a hotline call flagged possible neglect and a recently discovered firearm in her purse.

Although the law required a response within ten days, a social worker did not visit the home for 18 days and recorded false information, assigning the family a low-risk rating and avoiding a formal case. Prosecutors later convicted Jake Haro of second-degree murder and sentenced him to 25 years-to-life; Rebecca Haro received over 12 years for child abuse. The lawsuit argues that proper intervention could have prevented Emmanuel’s fatal head injuries and the continued maltreatment of his sister, who now suffers developmental delays and severe anxiety. Attorney Roger Booth emphasizes the need for accountability and reform of child protective services.