The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide that occurred onboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship, which departed from the Port of Galveston, Texas, on November 8, 2026, and returned early the following day for the investigation.
Jason Leon Watford, 48, from Tyler, Texas, was arrested in connection with the suspected murder of his wife, Susan Watford. Watford was booked into Galveston County Jail on a federal hold related to the case.
According to a criminal affidavit, the incident took place on the same day the couple boarded the ship, November 8. During dinner, an argument escalated in which Watford struck
and then strangled the victim in their cabin for approximately four to five minutes. After releasing his hold due to exhaustion, the victim remained motionless on the floor for about 10 minutes before a housekeeper noticed blood on the suspect’s hands and pants and the victim lying face down.
Authorities and Investigation
The FBI Houston Field Office is leading the investigation, coordinating with the Texas City Resident Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises reported the incident promptly and complied with authorities’ directive to return the ship to Galveston for investigation.
Cruise Itinerary Details
The MSC Seascape left Galveston at 4 p.m. on November 8 for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, initially scheduled to return on November 15 at 6:30 a.m. The itinerary included stops at Costa Maya, Mexico on November 11, Roatán, Honduras on November 12, and Cozumel, Mexico on November 13. The early return on November 9 disrupted the planned schedule, but the ship resumed its itinerary after docking and the FBI’s investigation activities concluded.
Ship Specifications and Capacity
The MSC Seascape, which entered service in 2022, is approximately 1,112 feet long and weighs about 169,400 gross tons. It has 20 decks, 15 of which are
accessible to guests, with 2,270 cabins accommodating up to 5,877 passengers and a crew of roughly 1,648 people.
Official Statements and Background
The FBI stated: “FBI Texas City is responding to a suspected homicide onboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship that docked in Galveston on November 9, 2026.” An MSC Cruises spokesperson said the company is “cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary.” They added, “As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details. Our thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Watford had a prior arrest in September 2024 related to assaulting his wife and was sentenced in November 2024 to 15 months probation and 30 hours of community service. An autopsy on the victim was scheduled by the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services confirmed that a child involved in the situation is safe and currently in foster care.
Authorities continue to investigate, with no further details disclosed at this time due to the ongoing nature of the case.
