Texas Man Charged After Wife’s Death Aboard Cruise Ship
A Texas man is facing a federal murder charge after his wife was found dead in their cabin aboard a cruise ship. Investigators say an argument between the couple escalated, and a housekeeper discovered the woman while trying to deliver towels.
The incident happened Sunday on the MSC Seascape, which had departed Galveston earlier that day. The FBI identified the woman as Susan Watford. Her husband, 48-year-old Jason Watford, is from Tyler, Texas.
According to the criminal complaint, the couple argued while dining aboard the ship about five hours into the trip. Jason returned to their cabin, and Susan followed about 25 minutes later. Investigators said no one else was seen entering the room.
Around 9 p.m., a housekeeper knocked and briefly spoke with Jason, authorities said. The housekeeper noticed blood on his hands and clothes, then saw a woman lying face down and motionless on the floor. After the housekeeper left, Jason was reportedly seen in the hallway wearing different clothes and looking at his phone.
Ship authorities were alerted. Investigators later found bloodstained clothing and Susan’s body, which had multiple facial injuries. Court documents say Jason did not contact ship security or medical staff to report that his wife had been hurt.
In an interview with FBI investigators, Jason reportedly said the argument continued after the couple returned to their cabin. He admitted that he “snapped” and hit his wife several times, according to court documents. Investigators also say he told them he choked her with both hands and held his arm around her neck for four to five minutes, stopping when he became exhausted.
The ship turned back toward Galveston around 11 p.m. at the direction of authorities and arrived at about 5:30 a.m. Monday. It had been scheduled to visit Costa Maya, the Roatan Islands and Cozumel before returning to Texas. The FBI said a child in the family was involved in the situation but was found unharmed. Texas child welfare officials said the child was safe and in foster care.
Jason Watford appeared in federal court Tuesday and was charged with murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is scheduled to appear in Galveston federal court on Nov. 16. An autopsy was expected to be performed Tuesday.
Court records also describe an earlier assault case. In September 2024, Susan told an officer that Jason grabbed her wrist during an argument about money. She reportedly recorded audio of the encounter, and used a stun gun after running away. Jason later pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury to a family member and received 15 months of probation and 30 hours of community service.
