Cruise passenger who was doomscrolling on his phone gets arrested after MSC Seascape crew finds woman dead in her cabin

A Caribbean-bound MSC Seascape cruise returned to port in Galveston, Texas, on Monday, Nov. 9, after a passenger was accused of fatally strangling his wife. 48-year-old Jason Leon Watford has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Susan Watford, whose body was allegedly discovered by the ship’s crew in their cabin.

Watford is said to have told investigators that the incident took place just hours after the cruise departed on Sunday afternoon, when he and his wife got into a dispute during dinner. The couple’s argument allegedly continued when they returned to their cabin, causing Watford to “snap,” then repeatedly strike and choke his wife for “four to five minutes” until he got “exhausted,” according to a criminal complaint, per ABC.

A housekeeper who came to Watford’s cabin to deliver towels 10 minutes later claimed to have discovered his wife lying motionless face down on the floor and noticed blood on Watford’s hands and clothing, the complaint said. Security camera footage from the cruise allegedly showed Watford leaving his cabin in different clothing after the housekeeper arrived, then sitting in the hallway and “scrolling on his phone.” Watford supposedly did not contact medical personnel or security.

MSC Seascape passenger leaves in handcuffs

A passenger on Seascape, Becsei György, told NBC that the crew made a shipwide announcement around 10 p.m., stating, “Mike Echo at level 10,” which is code for a medical emergency. An hour later, the cruise changed course and returned to port.

Seascape docked in Galveston early Monday, where authorities removed Watford, who waived his Miranda rights, from the ship and took him into police custody at Galveston County Jail. Footage of him being escorted off the ship in handcuffs has also circulated across social media.

A child was reportedly with Watford and his wife during the cruise. However, it was unclear whether they were inside the cabin and witnessed the alleged murder, authorities said. Following the incident, the child was placed in foster care, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services confirmed.

Seascape, which left Galveston on Monday afternoon to resume its voyage, said it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. “As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details,” a spokesperson for MSC Cruises said. “Our thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The victim’s body was transferred to the Galveston Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. Meanwhile, Watford made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and is currently awaiting trial, according to court records. His next hearing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Watford faces a possible $250,000 maximum fine and up to life in prison if convicted.

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