Author: KESQ

Allie Anthony

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

According to the CDC, nearly 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023. A tragic and urgent public health issue.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when mental health experts emphasize the importance of raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and starting honest conversations.

News Channel 3 is speaking with a therapist at the Betty Ford Center about how to talk to loved ones who may be struggling and the warning signs to watch for.

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Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) — Jake and Rebecca Haro pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and filing a false police report in the presumed death of their 7-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro.

The Haros were in court for their arraignment Thursday morning in Riverside. Both will return to court on Sept. 16 for a Felony Settlement Conference.

News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle was in the courtroom. He’ll have live coverage starting at Noon.

Prosecutors allege Emmanuel was abused over time and died between Aug. 5 and Aug. 14. At a news conference, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said investigators believe Emmanuel “was abused over time” and died from those injuries. Emmanuel’s remains have not been found, but Hestrin said investigators have a strong indication of where the baby’s remains may be. 

Both parents are held on $1 million bail.

The charging documents filed last week, list murder and false report counts against both parents and note recommended bail at $1,000,000 each for Jake and Rebecca. The filing alleges the killing occurred between Aug. 5 and Aug. 14, and the false report is dated Aug. 14.

At their Aug. 26 appearance, Public Defender Brian Cosgrove spoke on behalf of the public defender’s office, indicating it cannot represent both parents due to a conflict. 

Reporting since has indicated Jake remains with the Public Defender, while Rebecca is expected to be assigned conflict-panel counsel. 

A clarification on counsel for Jake and Rebecca Haro is expected to be clarified in court Thursday.

Detectives have stated the originally reported kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. 

On Sunday, Aug. 24, investigators accompanied by Jake Haro in custody clothing we’re spotting searching along Highway 60 near Gilman Springs Road, but did not locate Emmanuel’s remains, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.

Court documents obtained by KESQ News Channel 3 show Jake Haro was convicted of felony child cruelty in 2023 stemming from a 2018 case. And over the prosecution’s objection, a judge granted probation and work-release time. At the same news conference last week Hestrin and Bianco took aim the judges ruling in the case. 

Jake also faces a separate felon in possession of firearm and ammunition charge from 2024 according to court documents received by KESQ News Channel 3. 

KESQ News Channel 3 previously reported Rebecca Haro is the sister of James Beushausen, convicted in a 2017 murder of his girlfriend in Palm Springs. Rebeca’s mother Mary Beushausen vigorously defended her son in that trial, creating a “justice for James” Facebook group. 

KESQ has reached out multiple times to Rebecca’s mother Mary Beushausen and have been told “no comment.”

Former defense attorney Vincent Hughes previously provided a statement on Jake’s behalf but did not appear at the last hearing and has not responded to multiple recent requests for comment.

Anyone with information on this case or the whereabouts of Emmanuel are encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904 or submit an anonymous tip to We-Tip.

Timeline: Case of Baby Emmanuel

Thursday, Sept. 4: Arraignments at 8:30 a.m., both parents remain jailed on $1 million bail. 

Wednesday, Aug. 27: DA Hestrin: Emmanuel was “severely abused over time”, investigators have a strong indication where remains may be; not yet found.

Tuesday, Aug. 26: First appearance; case continued to Sept. 4, complaint filed alleging murder and false report. 

Sunday, Aug. 24: Search along Hwy. 60/Gilman Springs with Jake present, no remains found. 

Friday, Aug. 22: Parents arrested in Cabazon after detectives concluded the kidnapping claim was false. 

Thursday, Aug. 14: Rebecca reports an assault and kidnapping outside a Yucaipa store, deputies and K-9s search; case later reclassified after inconsistencies in her account. 

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Cynthia White

CATHEDRAL CITY/RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa has been announced as the official hotel and venue sponsor for the 11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.

The festival is set for Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23, 2025.

The resort will host several events as part of the partnership, including morning hot air balloon launches from its Pete Dye Golf Course and a “Brunch & Balloons” experience on Sunday.

The Westin Rancho Mirage is also offering special packages with discounted room rates for festival attendees and exclusive deals for balloon pilots and crews participating in the internationally recognized event.

“We are honored to be the host resort and official hotel partner for this year’s Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival,” said Time Lusher, General Manager of The Westin Rancho Mirage.

The City of Rancho Mirage is providing municipal support and coordination for the resort-hosted events.

Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross says, “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with The Westin Rancho Mirage, a longtime partner that has been instrumental in the festival’s success.”

The Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival has continued to grow each year, now drawing more than 25,000 attendees annually.

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Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – Coachella Valley residents lined up for a chance to win the estimated $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot.

The winning numbers are 3, 16, 29, 61, 69 with a Powerball of 22.

No one won the jackpot on Wednesday so now it continues to grow.

2 tickets in California matched 5 numbers, in Bakersfield and the other in Riverside.

The new Powerball estimated cash value is over $700 million.

Angela Pena of La Quinta said she plays regularly, choosing numbers tied to her children and grandchildren.

“I would buy my mom a house, of course,” Pena said. “Then I’d buy myself a house, pay off my sister’s houses and buy my other sister a house.”

John Seamans said he’d donate his money.

“All I really need is $200,000 and I can stretch that out the rest of my life,” Seamans said.

Carolyn Becker, a CA lottery spokesperson, said some of the ticket revenue goes toward supporting California schools.

“The California lottery has raised more than $100 million for public schools,” Becker said. “$0.80 of every $2 Powerball ticket that we sell goes right to benefit public education.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A 20-year-old Thousand Palms man has been reported missing. Family said Derek Gillum was last seen leaving his residence on La Canada Way in Thousand Palms Friday at around 10:30 p.m.

Recent photo of Derek Gaillum

Photo of Derek Gaillum taken in 2024

Gaillum is described as six feet tall, weighing about 155 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, brown khaki pants, a blue Dodger hat turned backwards with black Vans.

Photo taken Friday night (8/29/25)

Family told News Channel 3 he was last seen getting into white PT Cruiser.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance. If you have any information call the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836-1600.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – As the Valley prepares for another busy season, officials are renewing calls to be careful around bighorn sheep wandering into urban areas.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills released a video on social media Wednesday featuring Mills and animal control officers Jeanette Guzman and Stephanie Anderson, who discussed the risks of approaching the animals.

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A post shared by Palm Springs PD (@palmspringspd)

Anderson said that from late summer through winter, the herd often roams into the city in search of food and water. While the sheep generally will not harm people unless provoked, officers warned residents to keep their distance.

“These protected animals are a vital part of our desert ecosystem, and keeping a safe distance helps ensure their health and survival,” the department said.

More information about the Bighorn sheep can be found at bighorninstitute.org.

Tonight at 5PM, News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij speaks with local officials and wildlife experts about what to do if you encounter a bighorn sheep.

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City News Service

SAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A 16-year-old girl who went missing today in the Hemet Valley was located, the California Highway Patrol confirmed.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A Palm Springs man accused of lewd contact with a minor from out of the state was arrested Tuesday.

The suspect, a 42-year-old man, was arrested in the area of 1200 E. Palm Canyon Drive.

Palm Springs police said they were alerted last week to inappropriate online communications involving an adult male and a juvenile who resides out of state.

“Investigators reviewed the information provided and confirmed evidence of sexually explicit conversations between the suspect and the juvenile, who is 15 years old,” police said.

Police added that the suspect is alleged to have knowingly communicated with the juvenile while aware of their age.

He was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, where he was being held on $10,000 bail. Police said he faces charges of contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense and arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

The Palm Springs Police Department is continuing to examine electronic evidence related to this case and will coordinate with out-of-state authorities as needed. Anyone with information about Simmons or who believes they may have been a victim is encouraged to contact Detective Gilberto Alcaraz at 760-323-8123 or gilberto.alcaraz@palmspringsca.gov.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.

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Jesus Reyes

Riverside, Calif. (KESQ) – 52 dogs were transported to Maine this week to help them find homes amid critical overcapacity at Riverside County shelters.

The pets are destined for Miracle Lane Farm and Sanctuary (Maine), Give a Dog a Home Rescue (Maine) and SPCA Westchester (New York).

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) partnered with Wings of Rescue for the transportation.

“These are 52 lives changed thanks to our amazing Wings of Rescue partners who continue to show up for RivCo pets looking for a second chance,” said RCDAS Manager Daylin Valencia. “I’m grateful to be part of a team that is committed to lifesaving where we rally to get these pets ready for their flights whenever the opportunity presents itself.”

RCDAS continues to operate in critical overcapacity for dogs, where three to four share a kennel designed for only two. To help get pets into homes and reduce overcrowding, adoption and reclaim fees are waived at all shelter locations.   

“Fall In Love” fee-waived adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, microchips, age-appropriate vaccinations and engraved ID tags. With over 1,000 dogs across the shelter system, there are a wide variety of breeds, ages and personalities to choose from.

Check Out: Pre-adoption program hopes to get lost pets out of Riverside County shelters

If community members cannot adopt but want to give a pet a break from the shelter, short-term fosters are also needed. Families can take advantage of the Dog Day Out field trip program that helps give a dog a break from their kennel while exposing them to potential adopters. Dogs who go out on just one day trip get to exercise, socialize and destress making them 5 times more likely to be adopted.  

For more information on fee-waived adoptions and how to sign-up to foster, visit www.rcdas.org

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A pursuit ended in Rancho Mirage Wednesday morning.

The pursuit started at around 8:10 a.m. in the area of Frank Sinatra Drive and Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage for a vehicle code violation, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies attempted a stop for a vehicle code violation but the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

The vehicle stopped in the area of Highway 111 and Thunderbird Road in Rancho Mirage, where deputies negotiated with the driver to surrender.

The driver was ultimately taken into custody and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. There was no additional information available on the suspect.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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