A Texas man is in custody on a murder charge after he allegedly strangled his wife to death while on a cruise, according to federal authorities.
The suspect, 48-year-old Jason Watford of Tyler, allegedly told authorities that an argument with the victim during dinner caused him to "snap," striking and then choking the victim in their room, according to a criminal complaint.
This is 48-year-old Jason Watford being escorted off
the MSC Seascape on Monday,
seen here in a booking photo after his arrest.
The massive cruise ship ordered back to port
in Galveston, Texas after the FBI says
a housekeeper found a woman on the floor of a room.
We heard an announcement and noticed that the cruise ship stopped.
Well, I looked out my window. We were back in Galveston at the port.
And so whenever I was talking to people on the ship,
they said it was a medical emergency.
According to new court documents,
Watford allegedly told the FBI he knew the victim.
Shortly after the ship left port on Sunday, the two allegedly got
into a verbal argument while eating and went back to their cabin.
The document saying the argument caused Watford to, quote, snap.
Watford allegedly struck the victim multiple times.
He's also accused of choking her.
The FBI says a housekeeper
who found her was delivering towels when she noticed blood
allegedly on Watford's hands and pants and the woman lying motionless.
Passengers waited on board while the FBI investigated.
So I kind of look out of my room
and I've seen there were medical staff on board,
you know, with gloves on and everything.
And there were forensics people.
Watford is now charged with murder.
During a brief court appearance on Tuesday,
he was appointed a public defender
and did not enter a plea. He remains in jail.
On the surface, seems like a fairly strong case.
He's apparently admitted harming her.
So we'll see where this goes.
But it's all about connecting him to her.
Now, court documents say onboard cameras showed nobody
but Watford was seen leaving the cabin on Sunday night.
If he's convicted, Watford could face life in prison.
The MSC Seascape has since resumed its planned itinerary.
Alex Stone, ABC News, Los Angeles.
