GALVESTON, TEXAS — Federal murder charges have been filed against Jason Leon Watford after a woman was found dead aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship, which departed from Galveston. According to federal court documents, Watford admitted to investigators that he repeatedly struck and strangled the woman following an argument aboard the vessel. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas said Watford was taken into custody after the woman’s body was discovered inside a passenger cabin Sunday, November 8, 2026. At approximately 9 p.m., a cruise ship housekeeper knocked on the cabin door to deliver towels. Watford answered, and the employee noticed blood on his hands and clothing before seeing a woman lying face down and motionless on the floor. Investigators reported that the victim had sustained multiple facial injuries. According to the federal complaint, Watford told FBI investigators that he and the woman had argued while eating at a restaurant aboard the ship. Watford returned to their cabin, and the woman arrived shortly afterward. The argument continued, and Watford allegedly told investigators that he snapped during the confrontation. Watford admitted to repeatedly striking the woman before placing both hands around her neck, according to court documents. He also described wrapping his arm around her neck from behind and applying pressure for approximately four to five minutes, stopping only after becoming exhausted. Investigators said the woman remained motionless for approximately 10 minutes before the housekeeper arrived. During that time, Watford allegedly made no attempt to contact ship security or request medical assistance. Surveillance footage reportedly showed that no other individuals entered or exited the cabin after Watford and the woman went inside. Investigators also observed Watford leaving the room wearing different clothing before sitting on the hallway floor and using his cellphone. Following the discovery, authorities instructed MSC Cruises to return the Seascape to the Port of Galveston, where federal investigators responded. The cruise line confirmed it was cooperating with the investigation and providing support to those affected. The ship subsequently departed Galveston on Monday afternoon and resumed its scheduled Caribbean itinerary. The relationship between Watford and the victim has not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have not released additional identifying information about the woman. Watford faces a federal murder charge that carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 if convicted. The FBI is investigating the case in coordination with federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Texas. Sources: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, federal court documents, FBI, and MSC Cruises. The charge is an allegation. Watford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.