Cruise passenger charged with murder following onboard death

Jason Watford, 48, was arrested Monday in connection with the death that occurred on the MSC Seascape, a vessel with 2,270 cabins capable of hosting nearly 5,900 passengers.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, was discovered deceased in her cabin with significant facial injuries. The incident took place Sunday after the ship departed from Galveston, Texas.

A housekeeper discovered the woman’s body while delivering towels. The housekeeper reported observing what appeared to be blood on Watford’s hands and clothing when he answered the door.

According to the court documents, Watford confessed to FBI agents that he assaulted and strangled the victim following an argument during dinner, claiming it caused him to “snap.”

Watford stated that he and the woman boarded the ship together Sunday and their disagreement began during a meal at one of the ship’s restaurants. The argument continued in their cabin.

He reportedly told investigators that he struck the woman multiple times and applied pressure to her neck for approximately four to five minutes before stopping due to exhaustion. He stated that the victim remained motionless for roughly ten minutes before the housekeeper arrived.

Surveillance footage indicates Watford entered the cabin at 7:46 p.m., followed by the victim 25 minutes later. Watford was observed leaving the room at 9:15 p.m. wearing different clothes and subsequently sat on the hallway floor while looking at his phone, according to the complaint.

Watford, of Tyler, Texas, appeared in federal court Tuesday in Galveston to face a murder charge. He is currently being held at a county jail.

MSC Cruises confirmed that authorities directed the ship to return to Galveston after the crew reported the death. The voyage resumed Monday, and the company stated it is cooperating with investigators and offering support to those affected.

Such homicide investigations on cruise ships are rare. In an earlier case this year, a teenager faced charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship departing from Florida.