Online sleuths and citizen journalists propagated unverified claims that hampered the investigation into missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro. Mainstream media coverage was welcomed while social media speculation prompted law enforcement concern. Rebecca Haro initially reported a violent kidnapping, but investigators found inconsistencies in her and husband Jake Haro's account; both have been charged with murder. False rumors circulated that remains had been found in Lake Perris, prompting an official Facebook denial. Sightings of the father in jail clothing triggered further speculation. Reports of a jailed confession to a planted inmate circulated but remained unverified and unsupported by credible evidence.
The sheriff, at times critical of the mainstream press, paused during a recent press conference to castigate the online sleuths and citizen journalists. I just want to thank all of you, especially the normal, mainstream media for your attention to this, Bianco said. Not so much for social media and for keyboard warriors who, quite honestly, sometimes hamper and prevent us from a good investigation.
While investigators worked behind the scenes, online commentators quickly speculated about law enforcement activities, who could be involved in the baby's disappearance, and whether the remains of the baby had been found. Rumors did spread that Emmanuel's remains had been discovered in Lake Perris prompting a post on the recreation area's Facebook page to assure the public that it was entirely false, unsubstantiated, and not supported by any credible evidence or official reports.
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