Disturbing new details have emerged about Susan Watford’s final moments before authorities say her husband strangled her aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship.
Susan and Jason Watford, who now faces a murder charge, boarded the ship on Nov. 8 for a weeklong voyage to Honduras and Mexico, according to The New York Post.
The couple reportedly argued during dinner that night. Authorities said Jason then left the restaurant and returned to their cabin. Susan followed roughly 25 minutes later, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, which cited an affidavit filed in the case.
Susan was not initially identified publicly, but FBI Houston confirmed to Oxygen that she was the victim in the case.
At approximately 9 p.m., less than an hour after Susan returned to the cabin, a housekeeper knocked on the door to deliver towels.
While speaking with Jason, the housekeeper allegedly saw “blood on his hands and clothing” and noticed Susan “lying face down and motionless on the floor,” prosecutors said.
The housekeeper immediately notified the ship’s security team, which took Jason into custody as the vessel headed back to its home port in Galveston, Texas.
Prosecutors allege that Jason hit his wife “several times before strangling her with his hands and arm.”
According to court documents obtained by The Post, Jason allegedly told investigators that the argument caused him to “snap.” He reportedly wrapped his right arm around Susan’s neck and squeezed for “approximately four to five minutes.” Authorities said he stopped only after becoming exhausted.
Several news organizations, including The New York Post and KPRC-TV, reported that a child was inside the cabin during the alleged attack.
“A child was involved in the situation but was found unharmed by responding law enforcement and FBI personnel,” the FBI told Oxygen, declining to say where the child was located when the killing occurred. “We are not sharing any additional details about the child.”
Jason Watford Had Prior Arrest For Assault
Susan’s LinkedIn profile identified her as a warehouse team lead at Target. She had worked for the company for more than seven years and had advanced through several positions before her death.
Jason was previously arrested in September 2024 on suspicion of assaulting his wife and causing bodily injury, ABC News reported, citing Smith County Court records. He was later sentenced to 15 months of probation and 30 hours of community service.
Jason made his initial appearance in federal court on Nov. 10 to face the murder charge. It remains unclear whether he has hired an attorney.
Cruise Line Offers Condolences to Susan Watford’s Family
An MSC Cruises spokesperson told ABC News that the company is “cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted.”
The cruise resumed its scheduled journey after returning to port on Nov. 9.
“As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details,” the MSC Cruises spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
The FBI is investigating with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise line.