The suspected homicide in international waters prompted a shipboard detention, an overnight return to Texas and a federal murder case.
GALVESTON, Texas — The MSC Seascape returned unexpectedly to Galveston less than a day after beginning a Caribbean cruise after a woman was found dead in a cabin, setting off a federal homicide investigation that has led to a murder charge against a Texas passenger.
The case moved quickly from a shipboard discovery Sunday night to an FBI investigation at the Texas port Monday morning and a federal court appearance Tuesday. Jason Leon Watford, 48, of Tyler, is accused of killing the woman while the ship was in international waters. The woman has not been publicly identified, and authorities have not disclosed her relationship to Watford. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Federal prosecutors said Watford and the woman boarded the MSC Seascape together Sunday. According to a criminal complaint, they began arguing while dining at a restaurant aboard the vessel. Watford returned to their cabin, followed by the woman about 25 minutes later. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed him entering at about 7:46 p.m. and the woman entering later, with no other person seen going into or out of the room before a housekeeper arrived.
The housekeeper knocked on the cabin door shortly after 9 p.m. to deliver towels, according to the complaint. Investigators said she spoke briefly with Watford and noticed what she believed was blood on his hands and clothing. She also saw the woman lying face down and motionless on the floor. The employee alerted other crew members, who went to the cabin and summoned ship security after finding the woman dead.
The cruise line then contacted authorities about the suspected homicide. MSC Cruises said officials instructed the vessel to return to Galveston. The ship arrived back at the port early Monday, where FBI personnel boarded and began investigating. Watford, who had been detained by ship security, was taken into custody on a federal charge.
Investigators said Watford agreed to speak with FBI agents after the ship returned. The criminal complaint alleges that he described an escalating argument inside the cabin and said he struck the woman several times. According to the affidavit, he also described applying pressure to her neck for several minutes. Investigators said he told them the woman remained motionless before the housekeeper knocked and that he did not seek medical or security assistance during that time.
Federal prosecutors said the investigation includes surveillance video, Watford’s statements and accounts from cruise employees. The FBI’s Texas City Resident Agency is handling the case with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the cruise company. The alleged offense occurring in international waters placed the investigation in federal hands.
MSC Cruises said it was cooperating fully with investigators and supporting those affected. After returning to Galveston and allowing authorities to respond, the Seascape departed again Monday and resumed its planned itinerary. The vessel operates Caribbean cruises from Galveston and can carry thousands of passengers and crew.
Watford appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston on Tuesday afternoon. He requested a court-appointed lawyer and did not seek release on bond. His defense attorney asked for a probable cause hearing to be held Monday. No federal grand jury indictment had been returned as of Tuesday afternoon.
The murder charge carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 fine if Watford is convicted. Federal prosecutors emphasized that the criminal complaint is an accusation rather than evidence of guilt. The investigation remains active, while the victim’s identity and additional findings about her death have not been publicly released.
Author note: Last updated November 10, 2026.