48-Year-Old Man Charged With Cruise Ship Murder
A federal murder charge was filed against a Texas man after a woman died aboard the MSC Seascape in Galveston.
By Jack Weber ·
Jason Leon Watford, 48, stands accused of killing a woman aboard a cruise ship in Galveston, Texas. The suspect, a resident of Tyler, Texas, was booked into the Galveston County Jail on a federal hold following his arrest on Monday, November 9.
A federal criminal complaint details the events that led to the charge. Watford told FBI investigators that he and the victim argued in a ship restaurant before moving to their stateroom. He admitted to striking and choking the woman for several minutes. Investigators noted that she was found motionless on the floor after the altercation.
A housekeeper discovered the scene while delivering towels. The employee knocked on the cabin door and saw Watford with blood on his hands and clothing. Ship security responded to the report and contacted federal authorities. Review of surveillance footage showed Watford sitting outside the room and using his phone after the incident.
The MSC Seascape had left Galveston on Sunday for a seven-night Caribbean itinerary. The vessel turned around and returned to port on Monday morning. FBI agents and other law enforcement officials boarded the ship to investigate the death. After Watford was taken into custody and transferred to federal authorities, the ship departed Galveston later that day to resume its scheduled voyage.
The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office scheduled an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Authorities have not released additional details about the victim. Watford is expected to appear in federal court for an initial hearing as the investigation continues. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The incident occurred while the ship was in port, though the initial departure was planned for the Caribbean. The return to port allowed for the immediate transfer of the suspect and the collection of evidence by federal agents. The case is now in the hands of the federal justice system.
