Jason Leon Watford of Tyler, Texas, admitted to an FBI investigator that he was responsible for the death of a female passenger while both were sailing on the MSC Seascape.
A sworn affidavit submitted into evidence offers gruesome details, including how the crime was discovered and by whom.
What Security Footage Showed
According to the statement made by Thomas Plew, a Task Force Officer with the FBI, Watford entered his stateroom at approximately 7:45 p.m. with his alleged victim soon following at around 8:15 p.m..
Security footage indicates that no one else entered or left the stateroom in question until a member of the housekeeping staff arrived to deliver towels shortly after 9 p.m. Following a brief interaction with Watford, the housekeeper contacted other crew members after “observing what she believed to be blood on [Watford’s] hands and pants as well as a motionless female lying face down on the floor.”
After reviewing the footage in question, Plew’s affidavit indicates that Watford was read (and opted to waive) his Miranda Rights before agreeing to an interview with the FBI.
How the Victim Died
What followed was a confession containing graphic details about the altercation which took place in the stateroom.
As the pair’s argument became more intense, Watford claims that something caused him to “snap,” at which point he repeatedly struck the victim. According to Plew’s recounting of the confession, the blows caused “blood to emit from her mouth and onto his shirt, pants and hands.”
Watford went on to tell the FBI that he then began to choke his victim with both hands. The official statement goes on to say that “he also wrapped his right arm around [her] neck from behind while she was lying down” and applied pressure “for approximately four to five minutes and released his hold only after becoming exhausted.”
Watford did not contact ship security or medical personnel, and approximately 10 minutes later, the housekeeper arrived.
What Happens Next
As previously reported, the ship — which had departed Galveston on Sunday — reversed course, with Watford being taken into custody upon its arrival. On Tuesday, the suspect had his initial appearance in court, during which he requested a court-appointed attorney.
Watford did not request that he be released on bail, meaning he will remain in custody. While he has not yet been indicted by a federal grand jury, he is slated for a probable-cause hearing. That hearing is currently slated for Monday, November 16.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Walford could face up to life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine if convicted.
