Jason Leon Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, was taken into custody on a federal murder charge after allegedly strangling his wife, Susan Watford, aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship. The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the couple boarded the vessel on November 8, 2026.
The MSC Seascape departed the Port of Galveston, Texas, at 4 p.m. on November 8, 2026. Following the alleged homicide, the cruise ship returned to Galveston and docked on November 9, interrupting its seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary originally scheduled to end on November 15 at 6:30 a.m.
Federal Investigation Underway
The FBI Houston office confirmed it is leading the
investigation into the suspected homicide on board the MSC Seascape, coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and MSC Cruises. A Maritime Liaison Agent from the Texas City Resident Agency is managing coordination as is customary with crimes aboard cruise ships.
MSC Cruises Response and Itinerary Resumption
MSC Cruises stated it is cooperating fully with federal and local authorities and providing support to those affected. After returning and docking in Galveston on November 9, the ship left port and resumed its planned itinerary with scheduled stops at Costa Maya, Mexico (November 11), Roatán, Honduras (November 12), and Cozumel,
Mexico (November 13). The cruise line expressed condolences to the victim’s family and declined to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Incident and Suspect Background
According to an affidavit supporting a criminal complaint, Watford strangled Susan Watford for four to five minutes after an argument during dinner on November 8. The suspect reported becoming exhausted and releasing his hold, leaving the victim motionless on the floor for about 10 minutes before a housekeeper discovered her. Blood was observed on the suspect’s hands and pants.
Records from Smith County Court show Watford was previously arrested in September 2024 for assaulting his wife and
sentenced to probation and community service in November 2024.
Child Involvement and Medical Examiner Actions
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services confirmed a child was involved in the situation and is currently safe in foster care. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s office planned to perform an autopsy on the victim following her death.
Ship Specifications and Passenger Information
The MSC Seascape entered service in 2022 and sails under the flag of Malta. The vessel is 1,112 feet long, weighs 169,400 gross tons, and features 20 decks with 15 accessible to guests. It houses 2,270 cabins and accommodates up to 5,877 passengers with approximately 1,648 crew members on board. The
ship was traveling through the Gulf of Mexico at about 18.3 knots on November 9, 2026.
A passenger on board reported hearing announcements regarding a medical emergency during the cruise’s departure. Medical staff were seen onboard shortly before the ship returned to Galveston.
