USA · 14 April, 2026 · 1 min read
Jessica McClure Morales Arrested For Assault In Texas Nearly 40 Years After Well Rescue
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.
Incident descriptor terminology.
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KOAA News 5
“Jessica McClure Morales was taken into custody over the weekend for a domestic disturbance at her home.”Read the original ↗
ABC13 Houston
“domestic violence 'Baby Jessica' arrested and charged after domestic disturbance in Midland County, deputies say”Read the original ↗
Shows how outlets differ in labeling the initial alleged incident (domestic disturbance vs domestic violence), which can affect perceived severity and legal framing.
Baby Jessica Arrested
Jessica McClure Morales was arrested on charges of assault causing bodily injury involving family violence.
“Jessica McClure Morales was arrested in Midland County, Texas following an alleged domestic disturbance”
She was taken into custody following a domestic disturbance at her home and later released after posting bond.
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.
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
Morales was charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence.
“Police detained Rahman Textile owner Faisal Rahman”
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.