Jason Watford, a 48-year-old man from Tyler, Texas, has been accused of killing a female passenger aboard a cruise ship that recently departed from Galveston. According to court documents, Watford told FBI agents that he beat and choked the woman in their cabin after an argument caused him to snap. He was scheduled to make his initial federal court appearance on the murder charge on Tuesday, November 10, while being held in a county jail.
The alleged homicide took place on the MSC Seascape, a large white vessel equipped with 2,270 cabins. The ship is capable of hosting nearly 5,900 guests during five- or seven-night Caribbean itineraries. The victim, who had not been publicly identified at the time of the report, was found dead on Sunday after the ship had left the port.
A ship investigator contacted local authorities to report that the woman was discovered dead in her room with multiple facial injuries. A housekeeper who had knocked on the door to deliver towels noticed the woman lying motionless on the floor. The affidavit stated that when Watford opened the door, the housekeeper observed what appeared to be blood on his hands and pants.
After the vessel returned to Galveston on Monday morning, Watford interviewed with FBI agents. He explained that he and the woman had boarded the ship together on Sunday and began arguing while dining at one of the ship's restaurants. The dispute continued after they returned to their cabin.
During the interview, Watford claimed he struck the woman several times and applied pressure to her neck for approximately four to five minutes until he became exhausted. He stated that she remained motionless for about 10 minutes before the housekeeper arrived at the door.
Surveillance footage provided by authorities offers a timeline of events. Video showed Watford entering the room at 7:46 p.m. The victim entered the room approximately 25 minutes later. At 9:15 p.m., Watford was seen leaving the room wearing a different shirt and pants. He was then observed sitting on the hallway floor looking at his phone, according to the complaint.
MSC Cruises stated that authorities instructed the ship to return to Galveston after the crew reported the passenger's death. The vessel resumed its voyage on Monday. The company said it is cooperating with authorities and providing support to those affected by the incident.
Homicide investigations on cruise ships remain relatively rare. Earlier this year, a teenager was charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship that departed from Florida.
Watford’s son, who listed a phone number in public records for relatives, declined to comment on the allegations when reached on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear if Watford had a lawyer who could respond to the charges.
