A 48-year-old man, identified as Jason Watford, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his 31-year-old wife, Susan Watford, who was allegedly strangled to death aboard a cruise ship during their holiday.
According to court documents, the couple boarded the MSC Seascape in Galveston, Texas, on Sunday for a weeklong cruise to Honduras and Mexico.
The incident reportedly followed an argument during dinner at one of the ship’s restaurants. The disagreement allegedly continued after they returned to their cabin.
Jason reportedly admitted to the FBI that he lost his temper and attacked his wife several times, leaving her with a bloody mouth. He then allegedly strangled her with both hands, wrapping his right arm around her neck and applying pressure for approximately four to five minutes before releasing her when he became exhausted.
A housekeeper discovered Susan’s motionless body shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday while attempting to deliver towels to their cabin. Jason reportedly answered the door, and the housekeeper noticed blood on his clothes and Susan lying motionless inside, with multiple facial injuries.
The husband allegedly changed his clothes, left the cabin and was later seen sitting in the ship’s hallway scrolling through his phone.
The FBI also disclosed that a child was present in the cabin during the incident. The child was unharmed and has since been placed in foster care. Authorities have not disclosed whether the child belongs to the couple.
Jason was detained by ship security and taken into custody when the vessel returned to Galveston early Monday morning. He was subsequently charged with murder, while the cruise continued its itinerary.
Court documents further revealed that Jason had previously pleaded guilty to causing bodily injury after grabbing Susan’s wrist during an argument over money.
