Galveston, Texas – Jason Watford was escorted off the MSC Seascape cruise ship in handcuffs amid accusations of murder. Now, it has been reported that the passenger allegedly killed his wife after an argument on the boat.
The cruise ship had to abort its voyage to Mexico and Honduras on Monday after cabin crew detained Watford and later turned him over to police in the Texas port of Galveston.
The 48‑year‑old was shortly thereafter charged with the murder of a female passenger.
According to NBC, citing the FBI, the victim was Watford's wife, Susan, whom he allegedly strangled with his hands and arms.
An indictment shared by the Department of Justice announcement indicates that Watford argued with his wife in a restaurant aboard the ship on Sunday evening.
He then went to their shared cabin, and Susan followed him in 25 minutes later. About an hour after Susan entered the cabin, a housekeeper knocked on the door and spoke briefly with Watford.
According to the accusation, blood was found on his hands and clothing. She also reportedly saw a woman lying motionless on the floor, face down. The housekeeper then notified additional ship personnel.
Officials later discovered the woman dead, with multiple facial injuries. Watford admitted that he had gotten into an argument with his wife and had subsequently beaten and choked her several times.
A child was also present, but remained unharmed and is currently placed with a foster family.
Prison records show that Watford is already known to police for assault. If convicted, he faces a life sentence.