Tyler man charged in wife’s death aboard cruise ship

Galveston — A Tyler man charged with murder in a woman’s death aboard the MSC Seascape appeared in federal court Nov. 10. The FBI identified the victim as his wife, Susan Watford. 

Jason Leon Watford, 48, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston. He did not enter a plea and waived a detention hearing. The judge appointed public defender Javier Martinez to represent him. Watford remained in the Galveston County Jail on a federal hold, with a probable cause hearing scheduled for Nov. 16.

The ship departed Galveston Nov. 8 and returned Nov. 9 after the woman was found dead in the couple’s cabin. Watford was taken into custody after the vessel returned to port. The cruise resumed its voyage that day. 

According to an FBI affidavit, Watford told investigators he and his wife began arguing during dinner at a restaurant aboard the ship. Surveillance video showed him entering their cabin at 7:46 p.m., with Susan Watford entering about 25 minutes later. 

Watford allegedly told investigators the argument escalated in the cabin and caused him to “snap.” He said he struck his wife multiple times and applied pressure to her neck for four to five minutes, according to the criminal complaint. Charging documents allege he did not contact ship security or medical personnel afterward. 

A housekeeper who knocked on the cabin door reported seeing blood on Watford’s hands and clothing and a woman lying motionless on the floor with facial injuries. She alerted ship personnel.

FBI spokesman Connor Hagan said a child was found unharmed when law enforcement responded. FBI officials told KTRK-TV that the child was in the cabin during the alleged assault. 

Court records also show Watford previously pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury to a family member after a September 2024 incident involving Susan Watford in Smith County. She told an officer her husband grabbed her wrist during an argument over money. Watford was placed on community supervision for 15 months. 

If convicted of murder, Watford faces up to life in prison and a possible maximum fine of $250,000, according to federal prosecutors. The charge is an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

This article was created with artificial intelligence and edited by staff.