A Tyler man faces a federal murder charge after allegedly beating and strangling a woman to death aboard a cruise ship.
Federal charges allege that Jason Watford committed the crime while aboard the MSC Seascape Cruise Ship.
According to the criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Watford and the victim had been arguing in a restaurant aboard the ship before returning to their room.
No one else reportedly entered or exited the room.
Watford later allegedly admitted that the argument escalated, causing him to “snap,” according to the complaint.
He allegedly admitted to striking the victim multiple times causing her to bleed, before strangling her until he was exhausted.
Less than an hour after the female entered the room, a cruise ship housekeeper reportedly knocked on the door and spoke with Watford.
The housekeeper alerted other employees after observing what she believed to be blood on Watford’s hands and pants and a motionless female lying on the floor.
Charges allege that the cruise ship employees found the woman deceased with several facial injuries.
The criminal complaint charges Watford with murder.
Watford is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston today in his initial court appearance.
If convicted, Watford faces up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
