“Subject stated he struck Victim 1 multiple times …” according to a criminal complaint filed after a Texas woman was found dead aboard an MSC Seascape cruise ship.
Jason Watford, 48, faces a federal murder charge in connection with the death of Susan Watford, CTV News reported. The incident occurred on November 8, just hours after the ship departed from Galveston, Texas.
The couple had been dining at a restaurant aboard the vessel when an argument began, according to court documents cited by ABC News. The dispute continued after they returned to their cabin, where Watford told investigators that the heated exchange caused him to snap.
Below is an FBI Houston statement regarding the suspected homicide onboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship. The FBI is the primary federal agency authorized to investigate potential crimes on the high seas. More information about the FBI’s role can be found here:… pic.twitter.com/TMaGrtNAqu
A housekeeper discovered the body after knocking on the door to deliver towels at approximately 9 p.m. on Sunday, the New York Post reported. A child was also found inside the room unharmed and is currently in the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Following the discovery, ship security detained Watford before handing him over to law enforcement when the vessel docked back in Galveston on Monday. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Susan Watford died from blunt force trauma, ruling the manner of death a homicide.
Watford made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday afternoon, where he waived a detainment hearing. Court records show he is being held in custody pending trial, with his next hearing scheduled for November 16.
The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. If convicted, Watford faces up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
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