Susan Watford’s husband, Jason Leon Watford, has been charged with murder after the 31-year-old Texas woman was found dead aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship. The 48-year-old appeared in federal court in Galveston on November 10, 2026, after investigators alleged that he struck and strangled his wife following an argument during their Caribbean vacation.
The couple had boarded the ship in Galveston on November 8 for a seven-night cruise. Their trip ended in a federal investigation after a crew member discovered Susan unresponsive in their cabin. Court documents have also revealed that Jason previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife in 2024.
Who Was Susan Watford’s Husband Jason Watford?
Jason Leon Watford is a 48-year-old resident of Tyler, Texas, who became the subject of a federal murder investigation following his wife’s death.
Susan, 31, worked at a Target distribution warehouse, where she had been employed since 2019. She earned a business degree from Colorado Technical University, graduating summa cum laude, and became a team lead in 2024.
The couple’s wedding date and the length of their marriage have not been publicly established.
Their relationship had previously come to the attention of law enforcement following a domestic violence complaint in September 2024.
What Happened Aboard the MSC Seascape?
According to an FBI affidavit, Jason and Susan began arguing while having dinner at a restaurant aboard the cruise ship on November 8.
Surveillance footage showed Jason returning to their cabin at approximately 7:46 p.m. Susan entered about 25 minutes later.
Investigators alleged that the argument continued inside the cabin. Jason reportedly told FBI agents that the dispute caused him to “snap.”
According to court documents, he admitted striking Susan multiple times before applying pressure to her neck for approximately four to five minutes.
A housekeeper delivering towels later noticed what appeared to be blood on Jason’s hands and clothing. She also saw Susan lying motionless on the cabin floor.
The employee alerted ship security, which contacted authorities. Investigators subsequently found Susan with multiple facial injuries.
Jason Watford’s Previous Domestic Violence Case
Court records revealed that Susan had reported an earlier incident involving her husband in September 2024.
The dispute reportedly occurred at their home in Smith County, Texas, following an argument about money.
Susan told police that Jason grabbed her wrist during the confrontation. Investigators also documented an audio recording in which she could be heard telling him to move away.
According to court records, Susan eventually used a stun gun during the incident.
Jason pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury to a family member in November 2024. He received 15 months of community supervision and was ordered to complete 30 hours of community service.
The previous conviction became an important part of the public reporting surrounding the cruise ship investigation.
Was a Child Present During the Cruise?
Federal authorities confirmed that a child was found unharmed when law enforcement responded to the incident aboard the MSC Seascape.
FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan said the child was part of the family but did not publicly clarify the exact relationship.
Texas child welfare officials subsequently confirmed that the child had been placed in foster care.
Authorities have not established publicly whether the child witnessed the alleged attack. Initial reports about the child’s location during the incident were later corrected.
Jason Watford Appears in Federal Court
The MSC Seascape returned to Galveston on November 9, allowing federal authorities to take Jason into custody.
He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison on November 10. During the hearing, he was represented by a court-appointed public defender.
Jason did not enter a plea and waived his detention hearing. He remained in federal custody while prosecutors continued their case.
MSC Cruises confirmed that it was cooperating with investigators and providing assistance to those affected. The vessel subsequently resumed its Caribbean itinerary.
As of November 12, 2026, Jason Watford remains charged with murder, and no conviction has been announced. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 16 in Galveston, where a probable-cause hearing is expected to take place.