MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (WKRC) – The woman who became known as “Baby Jessica” after making national news for falling into a well as a young child was arrested and accused of domestic abuse.
According to information from the Midland County Sheriff’s Office obtained by local outlet KMID/KPEJ and WGN, deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence at around 10 p.m. on April 11.
At the scene, deputies reportedly arrested 40-year-old Jessica McClure Morales and charged her with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence. Morales posted bond shortly after and was released from the Midland County Detention Center.
Morales previously made national headlines in 1987 when she was just 18 months old after falling down 22 feet into a well. She became known as “Baby Jessica” during the nearly 60-hour-long rescue effort that was covered extensively by national and global news outlets.
KMID/KPEJ reported that one of the most iconic moments from the rescue was when crews heard the child singing from within the well. She was eventually saved when rescuers drilled a horizontal tunnel into the well. In the aftermath, Morales reportedly had to undergo multiple surgeries to treat the injuries she suffered after falling. She said in interviews after the event that she does not remember it.
No further information was immediately released about Morales’ arrest.