Man Faces Murder Charge After Woman Found Dead on Cruise Ship

Federal prosecutors have charged Jason Leon Watford with murder after a woman was found dead in a cabin aboard the MSC Seascape, which returned to the Port of Galveston on November 9. The alleged killing took place the previous evening while the cruise ship was in international waters.

Court documents state that Watford told investigators he and the woman argued at a shipboard restaurant, then continued their dispute in their cabin. He allegedly said the argument caused him to “snap,” and admitted striking her repeatedly and choking her. He told investigators he stopped after becoming exhausted, leaving the woman motionless on the floor for about 10 minutes.

Surveillance video recorded Watford going into the cabin at about 7:46 p.m. on November 8, followed about 25 minutes later by the woman. A housekeeper knocked at about 9 p.m. to deliver towels and noticed apparent blood on Watford’s hands and pants, as well as the woman lying face down on the floor. The housekeeper alerted other crew members.

Video captured Watford leaving the cabin around 9:15 p.m. in different clothing and sitting in the hallway while using his phone. Investigators said he did not contact ship security or medical staff. FBI agents boarded after the vessel reached Galveston, reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed Watford, who agreed to a recorded interview after waiving his Miranda rights. Agents also recovered bloodstained clothing from the cabin.

Watford is due to make his first appearance in federal court in Galveston at 1 p.m. on November 10. Court papers did not identify the woman.