Jessica McClure Morales Arrested For Assault In Texas Nearly 40 Years After Well Rescue

Jessica McClure Morales was arrested on charges of assault causing bodily injury involving family violence.

“domestic violence 'Baby Jessica' arrested and charged after domestic disturbance in Midland County, deputies say”

ABC13 Houston

She was taken into custody following a domestic disturbance at her home and later released after posting bond.

ABC13 Houston

The arrest came nearly 40 years after she was rescued from a 22-foot-deep well as an 18-month-old.

The rescue was broadcast live across major networks and captivated the nation.

She has since become a special education teacher's aide and lived a relatively private life.

Morales fell into the well on October 14, 1987.

Rescuers worked for nearly 60 hours to free her, drilling a parallel shaft and horizontal tunnel.

FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth

At one point, crews heard her singing about Winnie the Pooh.

The rescue drew international media coverage rivaling the death of Princess Diana.

Morales endured more than a dozen surgeries and lost a toe to gangrene.

Morales was charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence.

“Jessica McClure Morales, the woman who rose to global prominence as "Baby Jessica" in 1987 when she was rescued after falling into a well as an 18-month-old, was arrested in Midland County, Texas following an alleged domestic disturbance”

Fox News

The charge is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas.

The Midland County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest but declined to release further details.

Morales was released after posting bond.

The incident marks a stark contrast to the public's memory of her.