MSC SEASCAPE. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK The investigation into the suspected murder aboard the MSC Seascape is progressing. The U.S. Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas, announced on the night of November 10 that Jason Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a female passenger while sailing in international waters.
According to the official statement, the incident occurred on November 8, following an argument between Watford and the woman, who had previously met him, during a meal at a restaurant on board the ship. It is suspected that after the exchange, Watford left the restaurant and returned to the passenger cabin.
The woman joined him about 25 minutes later.
At around 9:00 p.m., less than an hour after the woman entered the cell, a housekeeper arrived and knocked on the door. According to official reports, she spoke briefly with Watford, noticed blood on his hands and clothes, and saw the woman lying face down on the floor with no signs of life. The maid called staff, and the woman was later pronounced dead. Her body had multiple facial injuries.
The prosecution documents also stated that during the relevant time period, no other person was observed entering or leaving the cell. According to the indictment, Watford attacked the woman several times and later choked her with his hands and arm.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI's Texas City field office, in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, Galveston Port Police, Customs and Border Protection and the cruise company. Federal prosecutors say that if convicted, Watford faces up to life in prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that these are charges that have not yet been proven in court and that the defendant is considered innocent until convicted in a legal proceeding.