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

14 April, 2026.USA.18 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Jessica McClure Morales, known as Baby Jessica, was arrested in Midland County, Texas.
  • She faces assault causing bodily injury, family violence, taken into custody at her Midland home.
  • Arrest occurred Saturday night; Morales is 40 years old.

Baby Jessica Arrested

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 HoustonABC13 Houston

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

Image from ABC13 Houston
ABC13 HoustonABC13 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.

Historic Rescue

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.

Image from FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth
FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort WorthFOX 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.

Assault Charge Details

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.

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