Woman found face down, blood on man's hands after deadly cruise ship attack

Woman found face down, blood on man's hands after deadly cruise ship attack by Christopher Hoffman Tue, November 10, 2026 at 9:55 AM Jason Watford, 48, of Tyler, is facing a federal murder charge in connection with the woman's death Sunday. (PHOTO: U.S. Attorney's Office) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: Cruise ship Federal murder Strangulation Galveston International waters Jason Watford Tyler Texas U.S. Magistrate Judge GALVESTON, Texas — A dinner argument aboard a cruise ship turned deadly when a Texas man allegedly beat and strangled a woman inside their cabin while the vessel was sailing in international waters. Jason Watford, 48, of Tyler, is facing a federal murder charge in connection with the woman's death Sunday. According to a federal criminal complaint, Watford and the woman were eating at a restaurant aboard the ship when they got into an argument. Watford reportedly left the restaurant and returned to their cabin. The woman followed about 25 minutes later. Less than an hour after she entered the room, a housekeeper knocked on the cabin door around 9 p.m. and briefly spoke with Watford. That's when the housekeeper noticed something alarming. According to investigators, Watford had blood on his hands and clothing, and the woman was lying face down and motionless on the floor. The housekeeper immediately alerted ship personnel, who discovered the woman dead with multiple injuries to her face. Federal prosecutors allege Watford struck the woman several times before strangling her with his hands and arm following their argument. Investigators also reported that no one else was seen entering or leaving the cabin during the time the woman was inside. Watford was taken into custody and is scheduled to make his initial court appearance at 1 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston. If convicted, Watford could face life in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The woman's identity has not been released. Trending Family of five killed after SUV leaves wet I-10 overpass in Seguin, parents identified Rain-slicked IH-10 in Seguin turned deadly when a Chevrolet Tahoe left an overpass near FM 725, killing a Porter family of five, including three children. FM 725 was shut for hours as police investigate. Two adults, three children killed after vehicle goes off bridge near I-10 in Seguin A single-vehicle crash near FM 725 and Interstate 10 prompted road closures in Seguin on Sunday afternoon, according to the Seguin Police Department.In a traffic alert posted to Facebook, police said at 1:30 p.m. on Suspect allegedly stalked ex-girlfriend, tracked her vehicle, and struck her with dumbbell A San Antonio police detective is seeking an arrest warrant for a 34-year-old man accused of stalking and threatening his ex-girlfriend, including messages that said, “I’ll kill you I should just run right into your Bob Mills, founder of Bob Mills Furniture, dies at 79 years old Bob Mills, the founder of Bob Mills Furniture, has died, according to a statement posted on Facebook by the company.“To Friends and Family, it is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the passing of our EXCLUSIVE: 7-year-old American girl killed by gunfire from Mexican police helicopter SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A 7-year-old American girl was killed by a bullet fired from a Mexican state police helicopter during a security operation in Matamoros, Me NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 13 Tesla robotaxi debuts in San Antonio, opening 270-square-mile service zone 4 The Receipts: Local FBI agents detail how sextortion schemes target teens 6 Showers lingers this morning before drier weather returns to San Antonio 3 LULAC backs proposed limits on SAPD contact with ICE, citing fears over reporting crimes