An MSC Seascape passenger with a history of domestic abuse allegedly strangled his wife in their cabin after an argument at dinner Sunday, while a child witnessed the attack.
Jason Watford, 48, allegedly killed Susan Watford after the couple argued at one of the ship’s restaurants, just hours after boarding the Caribbean-bound vessel in Galveston, Texas, FBI spokesman Connor Hagan said Tuesday.
The argument continued after they returned to their cabin. Watford reportedly told investigators that he “snapped” and struck his wife “multiple times,” leaving her bleeding from the mouth, according to court documents reviewed by The Post.
Watford, of Tyler, Texas, then allegedly choked Susan with both hands. He wrapped his right arm around her neck and applied pressure “for approximately four to five minutes,” releasing her only after becoming exhausted, the documents said.
Susan remained motionless on the floor for about 10 minutes, but Watford did not contact ship security or request medical assistance, investigators said.
A child was inside the cabin while the attack took place, according to Hagan. The child was not injured and has since been placed in foster care.
Investigators have not disclosed the child’s age, gender or relationship to the Watfords.
It remains unclear exactly when Susan was killed. Her body was discovered shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday, when a housekeeper knocked on the couple’s door to deliver towels—about 90 minutes after Jason had returned to the cabin.
Watford answered the door, and the housekeeper alerted authorities after reportedly seeing what appeared to be blood on his clothing and a motionless body inside the room.
After the discovery, Watford changed clothes, left the cabin and was later seen sitting in the hallway while scrolling on his phone.
Susan was found with “multiple facial injuries.” Ship security detained Jason after identifying him as a suspect.
The ship changed course at about 11 p.m. Monday and headed back to Galveston. Watford was arrested and taken off the vessel after it docked.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: “Why My Son Has a Striking Resemblance with Former President Obasanjo” – Actor Ajibola Finally Opens Up – NewsFinale
Watford remains in custody. He did not enter a plea at Tuesday’s hearing but waived a detention hearing.
Records show Susan had previously reported her husband’s alleged abuse, KTRK reported.
In September 2024, she contacted authorities after allegedly accusing Watford of grabbing her wrist during a dispute over money in Smith County, about 100 miles east of Dallas.
She reportedly yelled at Watford to back away as he became agitated before using a stun gun.
Watford pleaded guilty to causing bodily injury and was sentenced in November 2024 to 15 months of probation and 30 hours of community service.
Meanwhile, the MSC Seascape is sailing toward Costa Maya, Mexico, according to CruiseMapper.
The ship is scheduled to dock at Roatan Island, Honduras, on Nov. 12, then continue to Cozumel, Mexico.
With capacity for up to 5,877 passengers, the vessel is expected to return to Galveston on Nov. 15.
The Malta-flagged ship operates weeklong round trips throughout the Caribbean.
With Post wires