Former 'Baby Jessica' Arrested for Domestic Violence Incident

Affidavit alleges McClure Morales choked her husband during argument in front of child

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, discarded piece of paper with handwritten notes, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the personal turmoil behind a high-profile domestic violence incident.The discarded remnants of a police report shed light on the personal struggles of a former child celebrity.Midland Today

Jessica McClure Morales, known as 'Baby Jessica' after her famous 1987 well rescue, was arrested on Saturday night in Midland, Texas and charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence. According to a police affidavit, Morales allegedly choked her husband during a heated argument that occurred in front of a child.

Why it matters

The high-profile case of 'Baby Jessica' captivated the nation in the 1980s, and this latest incident raises concerns about domestic violence issues within the family decades later. It also highlights the challenges that child celebrities can face in adulthood as they try to move on from their early fame.

The details

The affidavit states that the confrontation began as a verbal argument between Morales and her husband, during which she allegedly scratched him while trying to shove him away. A witness told police that someone advised the couple not to fight in front of the child, but Morales' husband allegedly responded 'F*** that' before she grabbed him by the throat. Another witness claimed Morales' husband had shoved her, causing her to trip over the child.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Morales was arrested on Saturday night and booked into the Midland County Jail.

The players

Jessica McClure Morales

Also known as 'Baby Jessica', she was a toddler who famously fell into a well in 1987 and was rescued after 58 hours. She is now an adult who was arrested for a domestic violence incident involving her husband.

Midland County Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the domestic violence call and arrested Morales.

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What they’re saying

“A witness apparently told the police a somewhat different story. Cops say they were told someone advised Jessica and her husband not to fight in front of a child who was in the room. Her husband allegedly said 'F*** that' ... before she grabbed him by the throat.”

— Midland County Police

What’s next

Morales was released from custody after posting bond, and a court date has not yet been set for her assault charge.

The takeaway

This incident involving the famous 'Baby Jessica' highlights the complex challenges that child celebrities can face in adulthood, including domestic issues that may arise years after their initial fame. It also underscores the need for continued support and resources for families dealing with domestic violence.