Susan Watford’s mother sensed that something was wrong before her daughter boarded a cruise with her husband, Jason Watford, and pleaded with her not to make the trip.
Susan nevertheless believed the weeklong journey to Mexico and Honduras could give the couple a chance to decide whether their marriage could be repaired, KPRC reported.
Federal prosecutors allege that only hours after the voyage began, Jason attacked and strangled Susan inside their cabin.
Her family is now grieving the loss of the mother of three and hopes the circumstances surrounding her death will draw attention to the dangers faced by domestic violence victims.
“It’s too late for her,” her mother, Dorothy Mast, told KPRC. “But it’s not too late for somebody else.”
Here is what is known about the tragic case:
Who Was Susan Watford?
Susan was raised in an Amish community but left the faith when she was 15.
She was later adopted by Dorothy, who remembered her daughter as adventurous, curious and eager to experience new things.
“She was a great daughter,” Dorothy told KPRC. “And she liked to learn.”
Jason Watford’s Prior Attempted Murder Conviction, Domestic Violence Arrest
Susan married Jason, a former Illinois prisoner, in Tyler, Texas, in 2021, according to Smith County clerk records obtained by Fox 26.
Court records reviewed by NBC 5 Chicago show that Jason had an extensive criminal history. He previously served 10 years in an Illinois prison after convictions involving attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and drug offenses.
About three years after the wedding, Jason was arrested by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office following a domestic disturbance at the couple’s home.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the outlet, Susan told deputies that she and Jason had argued about finances. She said he chased her into the living room and grabbed her wrist, leaving a visible mark. Susan reportedly used a Taser on him before escaping and calling 911.
Jason pleaded guilty in November 2024 to assault causing bodily injury to a family member, according to court records reviewed by Oxygen.
Susan Watford’s Mother Warned Her Not to Go on Cruise
The earlier incident deeply troubled Susan. However, she told her mother, according to KPRC, that Jason was trying to change, including by attending anger-management classes and counseling.
Dorothy remained uneasy when she learned that the couple planned to spend a week on a cruise ship.
“I had asked her not to go,” she told the outlet.
Susan decided to go anyway, hoping the time away would help her and Jason determine whether their relationship had a future.
What Happened to Susan Watford?
Susan and Jason boarded the MSC Seascape on Nov. 8.
That evening, prosecutors say, the couple argued during dinner, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. Jason returned to the cabin, and Susan followed roughly 25 minutes later.
At approximately 9 p.m., a ship housekeeper knocked on the cabin door and encountered Jason, who prosecutors say had blood on his hands and clothing. Inside, the employee reportedly saw Susan lying face down and unresponsive on the floor.
Prosecutors allege that Jason hit his wife repeatedly before strangling her with his hands and arms.
In court documents obtained by The New York Post, Jason allegedly told investigators that the argument caused him to “snap.”
Authorities said he admitted placing his right arm around Susan’s neck and squeezing for “approximately four to five minutes.” He allegedly stopped only after becoming exhausted.
Several media reports have stated that a child was present in 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. Officials did not say where the child was at the time of Susan’s death and declined to provide additional information.
Prosecutors also declined to release further court documents to Oxygen, stating that the case had been sealed.
Oxygen contacted Jason’s federal public defender, Javier Martinez, for comment on the allegations, but did not immediately receive a response.
After Susan’s death, Jason was taken into custody, and the vessel returned to its home port in Galveston, Texas.
“On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston,” the cruise line said in a statement to Oxygen. The company declined to discuss the incident further, adding, “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted.”
Susan Watford Remembered by the “Love, Guidance, and Presence” She Offered
Susan’s death has left Dorothy grieving while she works to ensure that her daughter’s children receive the support they need.
“No mother should ever have to experience the heartbreak of losing her child, especially under such tragic and unexpected circumstances,” Dorothy wrote in an online fundraiser. “I am left trying to process a loss that words cannot adequately describe while also trying to figure out how to navigate the days ahead.”
She said the children would now have to grow up without their mother’s “love, guidance, and presence.”
“Right now, I am facing the overwhelming task of making arrangements to bring my daughter home,” Dorothy wrote, “covering funeral and memorial expenses, and making sure her children have the care, stability, and support they need moving forward.”
It remains unclear whether Jason has entered a plea to the charges filed against him.