A woman who became known around the world as “Baby Jessica” in 1987 — when she was rescued as a toddler following a fall into her aunt’s well — was arrested in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident, according to reports.
Midland County sheriff’s deputies called to a domestic disturbance at Jessica McClure Morales’ home on Saturday, April 11, ended up arresting her that evening, according to authorities, KMID-TV and KPEJ-TV reported.
Morales, now 40, is facing a charge of assault causing bodily injury in relation to family violence, according to records viewed by the TV stations.
The circumstances of her arrest are unclear, as Midland County officials told KMID-TV and KPEJ-TV that it could take a few days to release her arrest affidavit that may include more information.
It was not currently clear whether Morales had an attorney who could comment on her behalf.
When Morales was an 18-month-old toddler, the story of her fall into a well at her aunt’s home in Midland gained international attention. The fall resulted in a rescue operation that went on for about two-and-a-half days and dominated front pages across America.
“For more than two days late in the week, Americans were gripped by the plight of little Jessica McClure, 18 months young, who tumbled down a well while playing in her aunt’s backyard,” reads a TIME Magazine article published on October 26, 1987, about the rescue.
“Trapped underground for 58 desperate hours, the child seemed doomed,” the article continues. “Yet a down-but-determined West Texas town rallied round and literally clawed its way to her rescue.”
Morales had been stuck about 22 feet deep inside the well, according to KMID-TV and KPEJ-TV.
A paramedic, Robert O’Donnell, ended up crawling through a tunnel that rescuers had drilled in order to get to Morales, the TV stations reported.
“The image endures: a grimy paramedic emerging from the rescue shaft cradling a bundle in his arms — Jessica alive, swaddling bandages hiding all but her nose, her pitifully battered arms, her frightened eyes and wisps of blond hair,” reads the 1987 TIME Magazine article.
While speaking with People in 2017, Morales said her “life is a miracle.”
“In a way I guess it happened the way it was supposed to,” she told People, referring to her rescue. “I was picked on because of it, but most people are kind and think what happened is an amazing miracle. It is. I don’t believe that any of it would’ve happened without God.”
Morales is married with two children and also has two grandchildren, according to the outlet.
