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Jessica McClure Morales, known widely as “Baby Jessica” due to her dramatic 1987 rescue from a well, found herself in the headlines once again after being arrested on Saturday night. The incident, stemming from a reported domestic disturbance, took place at her residence in Midland County, Texas.
According to the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at Morales’ home shortly before 10 p.m. After assessing the situation, Morales, now 40 years old, was arrested at the scene.
She faces charges of assault causing bodily injury in a case involving family violence.
Details about the incident remain scarce as authorities have only shared limited information. The Midland County officials have indicated that it might take up to 10 days to process a request for the arrest affidavit, which should shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the charge.
After her arrest, Morales was released from the Midland County Detention Center upon posting bond, though the bond amount has not been publicly disclosed.
A Name Known Around the World
Morales gained international attention as an infant in 1987, when she fell into an eight-inch-wide well at her aunt’s home in Midland.
At just 18 months old, she became the focus of a dramatic, nearly 60-hour rescue effort that captivated the nation and drew global media coverage. Trapped approximately 22 feet underground, she remained lodged in the narrow well as emergency crews worked around the clock to reach her.
Rescuers ultimately drilled a parallel shaft and a horizontal tunnel through rock to access the well. The effort required specialized techniques, including waterjet cutting, after traditional equipment proved ineffective in the dense terrain.
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Rescuers worked for 58 hours to free “Baby Jessica” from the eight-inch-wide hole in which she fell. (Photo by David Woo/Sygma via Getty Images) -
“Baby Jessica” McClure becomes famous at the age of 18 months after falling into a well in Midland, Texas on October 14, 1987. Rescuers worked for 58 hours to free her from the 8-inch-wide hole. (Photo by Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty Images) -
Rescuer rushes baby rescued from fall into a well where lay for three days before she was rescued. (Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images)
During the rescue, crews reportedly heard the toddler singing, a moment that underscored both the tension and hope surrounding the operation.
Paramedic Robert O’Donnell eventually navigated the cramped tunnel to reach her. Nearly 60 hours after her fall, she was lifted to safety and rushed to a hospital.
The successful rescue sparked widespread celebration across Midland and beyond, with residents recalling cheers echoing through the city as news spread.
Morales underwent multiple surgeries following the incident due to injuries sustained while trapped, though she has said in past interviews she does not remember her ordeal.