Jason Leon Watford accused of killing woman aboard cruise ship

Jason Leon Watford has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead in a cabin aboard the MSC Seascape, according to a federal criminal complaint. Authorities say the 48-year-old was detained after the ship’s crew discovered the woman’s body during a voyage that had brought the vessel to Texas. The victim has not been publicly identified. The Galveston medical examiner’s office said she was female and that an autopsy was scheduled. The complaint states that she was found on the cabin floor with multiple facial injuries, and investigators believe she died on Sunday night. According to the complaint, Watford told FBI agents that he and the woman argued over dinner and continued the dispute after returning to their room. He allegedly said he “snapped,” struck her repeatedly and held an arm around her neck while she was lying down. The account alleges that he applied pressure for several minutes before letting go. Investigators cited security footage showing Watford entering the cabin before the woman arrived. Later, a housekeeper knocked to offer towels and reportedly saw blood on Watford’s hands and trousers, along with a motionless woman on the floor. The complaint says Watford left the room after the housekeeper departed, changed clothes and sat in the hallway using his phone. Ship employees later responded and security detained him. Authorities say a search of the room uncovered bloodstained clothing. Watford was held at the Galveston County Jail on a federal hold and appeared in court for an initial hearing. He was due to return for a probable-cause hearing, according to the report. It was not clear whether he had retained a lawyer. Jail records cited in the report show Watford was arrested in 2024 on a charge of assault causing bodily injury to a family member. He received 15 months of probation and 30 hours of community service. The current murder charge remains an allegation, and the case will proceed through the court system.