FBI Arrests Man for Murder Aboard Cruise Ship

Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter announces the arrest of Robert McGill, age 55, of Winnetka, California, on Thursday, July 16, 2009, on Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1111(b)—Murder Within the Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States.

On July 14, 2009, at approximately 8:20 p.m., security aboard the Carnival Cruise Lines Elation Cruise Ship responded to a report of a domestic situation between a husband, Robert McGill, and his wife, Shirley McGill. Upon their arrival to the cabin they found the victim, Shirley McGill, a 55 year old female, deceased.

Mr. McGill was immediately detained onboard the ship. FBI Agents were subsequently transported to the Elation via a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. An FBI Evidence Response Team (ERT) met the Elation at the Port of San Diego this morning to collect evidence in support of the investigation. Carnival Cruise Line is providing full cooperation and support in this investigation.

The 2,052 passenger Carnival Elation is based in San Diego and departed on Saturday, July 11, 2009, on a five-day cruise to Cabo San Lucas. The ship was in international waters at the time of the incident. The ship returned to San Diego this morning.

The investigation continues in this matter. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California will be prosecuting.

An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.