A passenger accused of killing a woman aboard the MSC Seascape told FBI investigators he “snapped” during an argument, then beat and strangled her for as long as five minutes, according to newly filed federal court documents.
A criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Texas charges Jason Leon Watford, 48, with murder in connection with the woman’s death aboard the cruise ship, which was traveling through international waters Sunday.
Authorities have not publicly identified the woman.
Investigators said surveillance video showed Watford entering the cabin at about 7:46 p.m. The woman entered approximately 25 minutes later, and no one else was seen going into or out of the cabin before she was found.
Jason Leon Watford was booked into the Galveston County Jail on a federal hold. (Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
According to the affidavit, Watford told investigators that he and the woman argued while dining at a restaurant on the ship. The dispute continued after they returned to the cabin.
Watford allegedly said he “snapped” and struck the woman several times, causing blood to come from her mouth and stain his shirt, pants and hands. Investigators later found the bloodstained clothing on the cabin floor.
Investigators said Watford admitted choking the woman with both hands before placing his right arm around her neck from behind while she was lying down.
He allegedly told investigators that he maintained pressure on her neck for roughly four to five minutes and stopped only after becoming exhausted.
The MSC Seascape is shown at the Port of Galveston in Texas. The ship later departed and continued its scheduled itinerary as the FBI investigated a suspected homicide aboard the vessel. (2025 Kirk Sides / Houston Chronicle)
The woman remained motionless on the cabin floor for about 10 minutes, but Watford did not alert ship security or medical personnel, according to investigators.
At approximately 9:02 p.m., a housekeeper went to the cabin to deliver towels and knocked on the door.
Watford opened the door and briefly spoke with the housekeeper, who told investigators she saw what appeared to be blood on his hands and pants. She also saw the woman face down and motionless on the floor, the affidavit states.
The housekeeper then notified other MSC employees.
Surveillance footage showed Watford leaving the cabin about 13 minutes after the housekeeper first knocked. He was wearing a different shirt and pair of pants.
Investigators said he then sat on the hallway floor outside the cabin and used his smartphone.
MSC security detained Watford as a suspect. At about 11 p.m., the cruise line contacted the FBI’s Texas City Resident Agency to report a suspected homicide aboard the ship.
Jason Leon Watford, 48, is escorted by law enforcement after the MSC Seascape returned to Galveston, Texas. He faces a murder charge in connection with a woman’s death aboard the cruise ship. (CREDIT: @villamosbiztonsag via Storyful)
The Seascape arrived at the Port of Galveston early Monday. FBI personnel boarded the ship and began their investigation.
Smith County court records show that Watford had previously faced prosecution in Texas for assaulting a family member.
He was arrested in September 2024 on a charge of assault causing bodily injury to a family member. That November, he received 15 months of probation and was ordered to complete 30 hours of community service.
Law enforcement officers escort Jason Leon Watford from the MSC Seascape after the ship returned to Galveston, Texas. Federal prosecutors have charged him with murder in connection with a woman’s death aboard the vessel. (CREDIT: @villamosbiztonsag via Storyful)
MSC Cruises previously told News Media that authorities directed the ship to return to Galveston after the cruise line reported an incident involving a guest.
“We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary,” an MSC Cruises spokesperson said.
“As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details,” the spokesperson added. “Our thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
An FBI task force officer said evidence supporting the murder charge includes surveillance footage, statements Watford made to investigators, accounts from MSC employees and an examination of the woman’s body.