Texas Man Charged With Murdering Wife on Galveston Cruise

A Texas man has been hit with a federal cruise ship murder charge after his wife was found dead in their cabin aboard the MSC Seascape hours after it left Galveston, according to a federal criminal complaint reported by KPRC 2 News. Jason Leon Watford, 48, of Tyler, is accused of killing his wife, Susan Watford, on Sunday (Nov 8).

FBI Files Cruise Ship Murder Charge

According to the complaint, the couple began arguing over dinner in one of the ship’s restaurants. Watford allegedly told federal investigators the dispute “caused him to snap”.

NBC reported the affidavit says surveillance video showed Watford returning to the room at 7.46pm. He allegedly told FBI agents he struck his wife several times and choked her for four to five minutes, and that she lay motionless on the floor for about 10 minutes before a housekeeper knocked to deliver towels. Investigators allege he never called for security or medical help.

The housekeeper noticed blood on Watford and called ship security, who contacted authorities. The Galveston County medical examiner performed an autopsy on Tuesday (Nov 10) and confirmed the death was a homicide, KHOU reported.

Ship Turned Back to Galveston

The MSC Seascape, bound for Mexico and Honduras, was told to return to Galveston so the FBI could investigate. Watford was taken into custody on Monday (Nov 9) morning after the ship docked, and the vessel later resumed its voyage.

The FBI confirmed a child was found in the room where the killing allegedly took place. A Child Protective Services spokesperson said the child is safe and in foster care.

Prior Assault Case and Next Hearing

Watford appeared in federal court in Galveston on Tuesday, where his court-appointed lawyer waived a detention hearing and a magistrate judge ordered him to remain in custody. A probable cause hearing is set for Monday (Nov 16) at 10am, KHOU reported.

Smith County court records show Watford pleaded guilty in 2024 to assaulting his wife and received 15 months of probation.

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