Texas Man Faces Federal Murder Charge After Death on MSC Seascape

Jason Leon Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, faces a federal murder charge after allegedly telling FBI agents he beat and strangled a woman in their cabin aboard MSC Seascape, according to newly released court documents. He was arrested Monday after the vessel returned to Galveston, Texas, following the passenger’s death Sunday evening.

MSC Cruises said authorities ordered the return after crew reported the death, interrupting a seven-night Caribbean sailing with scheduled calls at Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel. The ship resumed its voyage later Monday; no changes to its port calls had been officially confirmed.

KPRC 2 News identified the woman as Watford’s wife, Susan, although the federal complaint did not name her or describe their relationship. The FBI confirmed Tuesday evening that a child had been found in the cabin, and a Child Protective Services spokesperson told the station the child was safe in foster care.

Passenger Lynn Stack described the onboard announcements to KPRC 2 News: “We just kept hearing on the intercom that it was a medical emergency.” MSC said it was assisting investigators and supporting those affected, but declined to disclose further details while the investigation remained active.

Crew observations and cabin surveillance

The affidavit, signed by FBI Task Force Officer Thomas Plew, describes an argument that began while Watford and the woman were dining at an onboard restaurant. Surveillance footage placed Watford’s return to the cabin at 7:46 p.m. The woman arrived about 25 minutes later.

During an interview with FBI agents after the ship docked, Watford allegedly said the dispute continued inside the room and caused him to “snap.” He told investigators he struck the woman, then choked her with his hands and an arm around her neck, according to the affidavit.

Watford allegedly described maintaining pressure on her neck for four to five minutes before stopping because he was exhausted. He said she remained motionless for approximately 10 minutes before a housekeeper arrived, but he did not contact the ship’s medical or security personnel, the complaint states.

The housekeeper knocked shortly after 9 p.m. to deliver towels and reported seeing what appeared to be blood on Watford’s hands and pants, along with a woman lying face down on the floor. She alerted other crew members, who found the woman unresponsive with multiple facial injuries, according to the court filings.

At 9:15 p.m., surveillance footage showed Watford leaving the cabin in different clothing and sitting on the hallway floor looking at his phone. Ship security detained him before federal agents boarded in Galveston. The complaint alleges that no one else was seen entering or leaving the room during the relevant period.

Federal investigation and court proceedings

The FBI’s Texas City Resident Agency is investigating with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and MSC Cruises. The Galveston County medical examiner’s office scheduled an autopsy for Tuesday to determine the cause of death.

Prosecutors place the alleged attack in international waters. The complaint alleges murder under 18 U.S.C. § 1111; federal maritime jurisdiction is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 7 and can depend on the incident’s location, vessel ownership and flag, the parties’ nationalities and the voyage’s U.S. connections.

Smith County court records show Watford previously received 15 months of probation and 30 hours of community service in November 2024 for assault causing bodily injury to a family member. His public defender in the murder case, Javier Martinez, did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

Watford appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston and remained in custody. A conviction could carry life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16.