Updated Nov. 10 at 4:45 p.m. CST: Jason Watford made his first federal court appearance in Galveston on Tuesday and remained in county jail, The Associated Press reported. His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16.
Federal prosecutors announced a murder charge Tuesday against a Tyler, Texas, man in the death of a woman aboard the MSC Seascape. The cruise ship returned to Galveston on Monday after the crew reported her death.
What the complaint alleges
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas identified the defendant as Jason Watford, 48. Prosecutors allege he killed the woman after an argument in their cabin on Sunday, Nov. 8, while the ship was in international waters. According to the complaint, a housekeeper saw the woman motionless on the floor and alerted ship personnel.
The ship returned to Galveston
MSC Cruises told The Associated Press that authorities instructed the ship to return to port after the crew reported the death. The ship resumed its voyage Monday, the company said. The FBI is investigating with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the cruise line.
Prosecutors said Watford’s initial appearance was scheduled for Tuesday at 1 p.m. Central in Galveston. The charge carries a possible life sentence if he is convicted. Watford is presumed innocent.