Jason Watford Charged in Wife’s Cruise Ship Death

Jason Leon Watford, 48, has been charged with murder after allegedly beating and strangling his wife, Susan Watford, aboard the MSC Seascape shortly after it departed Galveston, Texas, on a Caribbean cruise. According to the criminal complaint, Watford told FBI agents that an argument that began at dinner continued in their cabin and caused him to “snap”; a housekeeper later found Susan motionless with facial injuries, and apparent blood was seen on Watford’s hands and clothing. A child in the cabin was found unharmed, and reports say Watford was sentenced to probation in 2024 for assaulting his wife. The ship returned to Galveston after the death was reported and has since resumed its itinerary; Watford remains in custody and faces up to life in prison if convicted.