Detectives used cadaver dogs to search the sprawling wilderness off the side of the 60 Freeway in Moreno Valley. They had the boy's father, Jake Haro, with them as they searched.

As the report of Emmanuel's disappearance spread, a past conviction of Jake's resurfaced publicly. According to court records cited by The Orange County Register, Jake was convicted of child cruelty following the 2018 injuries on his ten-week-old daughter.