Alleged murder aboard cruise ship lands federal charges for Texas passenger

GALVESTON, TX -- A 48-year-old Tyler resident has been taken into custody on charges of murder.

Jason Watford is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston at 1 p.m.

The charges allege that on Nov. 8, Watford struck a female passenger several times before strangling her with his hands and arm following a dispute in their room while aboard a cruise ship in international waters.

According to the criminal complaint, Watford and the woman had been dining at a restaurant aboard the ship when they began to argue. The charges allege he left and went to their room, followed by the woman approximately 25 minutes later.

At approximately 9 p.m., less than an hour after the woman had entered the room, a cruise ship housekeeper knocked on the door and spoke briefly with Watford, according to the allegations. She allegedly noticed blood on his hands and clothing, saw the woman lying face down and motionless on the floor, and alerted personnel.

They found the woman deceased with multiple facial injuries, according to the charges.

The complaint further alleges no one else had been seen entering or exiting the room during that time.

If convicted, Watford faces up to life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

FBI – Texas City Resident Agency is conducting the investigation with the assistance of U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise ship company. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anh-Khoa Tran is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.