Susan Watford’s mother advised her not to get on a cruise ship in Galveston before her husband killed her

HOUSTON – Susan Watford was allegedly beaten and strangled by her husband, Jason Watford, aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship just hours after leaving Galveston.

Behind the federal murder case is a woman who loved to travel, learn and create memories with her family, and a mother who warned her not to board that ship.

Susan Watford was allegedly beaten and strangled by her husband, Jason Watford, aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship just hours after leaving Galveston.

KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel spoke with Susan’s adoptive mother, Dorothy Mast.

“She was a great girl and loved learning,” Mast said.

Mast says Susan was always looking for her next adventure. That spirit was hard-won, Mast adopted Susan after she left the Amish community at age 15.

Susan also worked to understand and heal trauma. Two years ago, she survived a domestic violence incident involving her husband, Jason. Rather than walk away, Susan committed to studying domestic violence and narcissistic abuse and gave Jason another chance.

“As she told me, ‘Mom, he did everything the court told him to do. He took his anger management classes. He followed his advice. He did his community service,'” Mast recalled.

Susan boarded the MSC Seascape in Galveston with Jason, hoping the cruise to Mexico and Honduras could either repair the East Texas couple’s marriage or help them divorce. Mast tried to stop him.

“I asked him not to go,” Mast said.

Susan took her chance. While on board the ship, Mast attempted to contact her daughter by telephone.

“I tried to call her. She didn’t answer. So I thought, well, you know, she’s busy,” Mast said.

That unanswered call came after investigators said Jason beat and strangled Susan on the cruise ship. The couple’s young child was in the room where the alleged murder allegedly took place.

Susan leaves behind three children. The baby who was on board the ship is now safe and in foster care. Mast says she is in contact with CPS and hopes to help care for the youngest child. Mast says she hopes Susan’s story reaches other women before it’s too late.

“It’s too late for her, but it’s not too late for anyone else,” Mast said.

Jason Watford remains in federal custody while the case proceeds.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day at the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).