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Texas man charged in MSC Seascape killing after ship returns to Galveston
The Associated Press said Jason Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, was charged with murder after a woman was found dead in a cabin on the MSC Seascape following an argument, according to an FBI affidavit [1].
Based on reporting by AP
A cruise passenger accused of killing a woman shortly after the MSC Seascape left Texas told FBI agents he beat and choked her in their cabin after an argument, according to court documents reported by the Associated Press1.
Jason Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, was set to make an initial federal court appearance on a murder charge Tuesday in Galveston and was being held at a county jail, AP said1.
It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer; a man who said he is Watford’s son declined to comment1.
The woman, not identified in the AP account, was killed Sunday after the ship left Galveston, an FBI affidavit said; a housekeeper saw her motionless and what looked like blood on Watford’s hands and pants1.
Watford told agents they boarded together Sunday, argued at dinner and in the room, and that he struck her and applied pressure to her neck for several minutes, the affidavit said1.
Surveillance video showed him entering the room at 7:46 p.m., the victim about 25 minutes later, and him leaving at 9:15 p.m. in different clothes, AP reported1.
MSC Cruises said authorities ordered the ship back to Galveston and that it resumed its voyage Monday; the company said it was cooperating1.
AP noted homicide investigations on cruise ships are uncommon1.
