Harrowing footage shot by cruise ship passengers allegedly shows the moment one of their fellow travelers was arrested after a woman was discovered dead aboard the ship.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The video reportedly shows Jason Leon Watford being escorted by authorities off of the MSC Seascape in Galveston, Texas, on Nov. 9.
Fox26 reported that the cruise ship had been scheduled for a seven-day Caribbean trip before turning around. The video shows Watford, handcuffed and sporting a black shirt and jogging pants, being led down the cruise ship's ramp by two law enforcement officers, according to the outlet.
The 48-year-old East Texas native was reportedly taken to Galveston County Jail.
The arrest is reportedly in connection with an FBI homicide probe. Meanwhile, federal agents aren't elaborating on Watford's arrest. "Since this is an ongoing investigation, no additional details will be provided," a spokesperson for the FB explained to KHOU.
Details of the ongoing investigation remain unclear. However, Galveston County medical examiners revealed to ABC News that the victim was a woman.
Affidavit Sheds More Light on Cruise Passenger's Arrest
The arrest reportedly unfolded after a cruise ship employee made a grisly discovery while changing out the towels for one of the ship's cabins, according to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint for murder obtained by ABC News.
The housekeeper allegedly called for other employees after she saw "what she believed to be blood on Subject's hands and pants as well as a motionless female lying face down on the floor," per the documents.
Watford allegedly told the FBI that he and the victim had an argument at one of the ship's restaurants. He reportedly later returned to his cabin, with the victim joining him soon after.
From there, the argument allegedly picked back up and spiraled to the point of violence. The affidavit claims that Wateford told FBI interviewers that he "struck Victim 1 multiple times ..." He later allegedly told them, "he began to choke Victim 1 with both hands."
"Subject stated that he applied pressure to Victim 1's neck for approximately four to five minutes. [He] released his hold only after becoming exhausted," the affidavit reportedly goes on to say. "Subject stated that, after releasing his grip, Victim 1 lay motionless on the floor for approximately 10 minutes before MSC Housekeeper A.D. knocked on his door."
The medical examiner reportedly expects to perform an autopsy on the woman today (Nov. 10). The FBI's ongoing investigation is coordinating with the Coast Guard, local police, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise line.
