Jason Watford: Husband Faces Federal Murder Charge in Wife’s Death on Cruise Ship

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TOPSHOT - This aerial picture shows a general view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left two people dead and a third in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa's health ministry told AFP on May 3, 2026. The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. The patient being treated in Johannesburg tested positive for a hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever, South African spokesperson Foster Mohale said. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

Texas man Jason Watford is facing federal charges after allegedly murdering his wife during a cruise vacation.

Jason and Susan Watford, of Tyler, Texas, were aboard a cruise ship departing from Galveston when an argument reportedly broke out on Sunday, November 8. According to the criminal complaint, the couple was dining at a restaurant aboard the ship when Jason became frustrated and returned to their cabin. Susan followed approximately 25 minutes later.

Less than an hour after Susan entered the room, a cruise ship housekeeper reportedly noticed blood on Jason’s hands and clothing. The employee also saw Susan lying face down and motionless on the cabin floor.

Jason allegedly told investigators that he struck his wife multiple times as their argument continued after dinner. According to the complaint, Susan was bleeding from the mouth when he began choking her with his hands before placing her in a chokehold, wrapping his arm around her neck from behind.

He reportedly admitted to holding her in that position for approximately five minutes, telling investigators he stopped only after becoming tired.

Despite his wife’s condition, Jason did not alert ship security or medical personnel. The housekeeper discovered Susan approximately 10 minutes later.

Jason was taken into custody on Monday, November 9, after the cruise ship returned to the Port of Galveston.

An autopsy conducted Tuesday officially ruled Susan’s death a homicide. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that she died from blunt force trauma.

Jason is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, November 16, for a probable cause hearing.