Susan Watford, a mother of three, was killed aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship on Sunday, November 8, hours after it left Galveston, Texas, and her husband, 48-year-old Jason Watford of Tyler, has been charged with murder in federal court. According to the criminal complaint, he told investigators an argument made him “snap,” that he struck her several times and that he applied pressure to her neck for four to five minutes. The couple’s young child was in the cabin and is safe. Susan’s adoptive mother says she had asked her not to go on the trip.
The death of Susan Watford has become a federal case and a painful reminder of how domestic violence can follow people into places meant for rest. Here is what officials and family have said.
What the Criminal Complaint Says
The complaint, filed in the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division, says Watford told investigators that he and his wife argued at a restaurant on Sunday evening. The argument continued when they returned to their cabin and escalated, he said. It was then, Watford told investigators, that the argument caused him to “snap” and he struck her several times.
An FBI affidavit made public Tuesday says surveillance video showed Watford leaving the cabin at about 9:15 p.m. in different clothes and sitting on the hallway floor looking at his phone. A housekeeper later opened the door to find Watford with blood on his hands and clothes and a woman on the floor with facial injuries, according to the affidavit. Charging documents say he did not contact ship security or medical personnel. A ship investigator contacted authorities.
The MSC Seascape, on a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Honduras, returned to Galveston early Monday, and federal agents took Watford into custody. He appeared in federal court in Galveston on Tuesday, did not enter a plea, waived a detention hearing and was assigned a public defender. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, November 16. A charge is an accusation, and Watford is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Galveston County Medical Examiner has ruled Susan’s death a homicide, according to reports.
The Child Aboard the Ship
The FBI said a child was in the room at the time of the alleged assault. The child was found unharmed. Child Protective Services confirmed the child is safe and in foster care. Susan’s adoptive mother, Dorothy Mast, told KPRC 2 she is in contact with CPS and hopes to help care for the youngest child. She said Susan’s two older children, who have a different father, are in his care.
A Mother Who Warned Her
Mast told KPRC 2 that Susan was a “great daughter” who “liked to learn” and was always looking for her next adventure. Mast adopted Susan after she left the Amish community at age 15.
Mast said Susan had survived a domestic violence incident involving her husband two years ago and was studying domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. She was giving him another chance. “As she told me, ‘Mama, he did everything the court said he had to do. He took his anger management classes. He did his counseling. He did his community service,'” Mast recalled.
Susan boarded the ship hoping the cruise could either repair the marriage or help her move toward divorce. “I had asked her not to go,” Mast said. Susan told her, “I need to do it for me, Mama.” While the ship was at sea, Mast tried to call her daughter. “She didn’t answer. So I figured, well, you know, she’s busy,” she said.
Another family member told ABC News Susan was “funny,” the “best mom,” and “responsible,” a hard worker who took college classes to earn her degree and previously worked at Target to support her family.
The 2024 Domestic Violence Case
Court records and reports show Susan and Jason Watford had been separated in 2024. In September of that year, Watford was arrested in Smith County after Susan told police he grabbed her wrist during an argument about money and that he had been abusive in the past. He pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury to a family member. According to reports, he received 15 months of probation and community service.
Why Her Family Is Speaking Out
“It’s too late for her, but it’s not too late for somebody else,” Mast said. She says she hopes Susan’s story reaches other women before it is too late.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by texting START to 88788. In an emergency, call 911.
What Comes Next
Watford remains in federal custody, and the case will proceed in federal court in Galveston. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
