Cruise Ship Murder Charge Brings Tyler Man to Galveston Federal Court

GALVESTON, Texas – A 48-year-old Tyler man is in federal custody on a murder charge after a woman died in a cabin aboard a cruise ship in international waters, according to a criminal complaint filed in Galveston.

Jason Watford is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston at 1 p.m. The complaint accuses him of striking the woman several times on November 8 and then strangling her with his hands and arm during a dispute in their room.

What the complaint says

According to the complaint, Watford and the woman were eating at a restaurant on the ship when they began to argue. Watford left and went to their room. The woman followed about 25 minutes later.

At about 9 p.m., less than an hour after the woman entered the room, a ship housekeeper knocked on the door and spoke briefly with Watford. The complaint says the housekeeper saw blood on his hands and clothing and saw the woman lying face down and motionless on the floor. The housekeeper alerted ship personnel.

Personnel found the woman dead with multiple facial injuries, the complaint says. It also states that no one else was seen entering or leaving the room during that time.

The complaint’s account is an accusation. Watford has not been convicted of anything.

Penalty and investigation

If convicted of murder, Watford faces up to life in prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.

The FBI’s Texas City Resident Agency is leading the investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection and the cruise ship company are assisting. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anh-Khoa Tran is prosecuting the case.

The woman’s name has not been released in the information provided. The complaint does not say which cruise line operated the ship or where it was when she died.