Inside the couple's history: What led up to the Galveston cruise ship killing

Explore the chilling details of a murder investigation involving a husband charged with his wife's death. Delve into their tumultuous relationship and uncover the history of domestic violence that led to this tragic event. SMITH COUNTY, Texas - A paper trail from Smith County shows Jason Watford pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife, Susan, two years before he was charged with killing her aboard the MSC Seascape. Newly obtained court and law enforcement records are shedding light on a documented history of domestic violence between a Texas couple years before a mother was killed aboard a cruise ship sailing out of Galveston. A paper trail of county filings and arrest records reviewed by FOX 26 outlines a timeline of escalation leading up to the fatal voyage aboard the MSC Seascape, while domestic violence experts say those early red flags point to a clear pattern of escalating abuse.

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