TOWNSVILLE, Australia (31 Jan 2008) — The husband of an American woman who died while scuba diving off Townsville four years ago could be extradited to face charges. Coroner David Glasgow yesterday closed the final day of a 19-day coronial inquest into Christina "Tina" Watson's death by revealing he was considering "making an adverse finding" against her husband, Gabe Watson. Under the Coroner's Act, Mr Glasgow has the power to issue a warrant for the arrest of Watson to be extradited to Australia and committed to trial for murder or manslaughter. Tina Watson, 26, died on her honeymoon while diving on the Yongala shipwreck on October 22, 2003. Watson has refused to testify or appear at any stage of the inquest. Faulty equipment or a medical condition have been ruled out as possible causes of death. In one scenario, the court was told Watson possibly killed the novice diver by turning off her air, holding her until she died, turning the air back on, and swimming away. The inquest was told that Watson may have killed his wife for a modest insurance payout. Mr Glasgow also yesterday ruled Tina Watson's parents, Tom and Cindy Thomas – who have travelled from Alabama four times since the death – would not be allowed to give closing submissions. Mr Glasgow said he sympathised with the family but was constrained by legislation in denying them the right to address closing submissions to the inquest. "Please accept my personal regrets for the loss of your daughter," Mr Glasgow said. "I understand the frustration and dismay Mr and Mr Thomas may feel." He vowed to hand down his findings in court and by video link to the family in the US on April 23 or 24. Barrister Harvey Walters, representing the Thomas family, said on their behalf that they accepted the rule of law and thanked the court for the "courtesy and dignity" extended to them throughout the inquest. | 
