Several travelers planning to depart on a cruise from Port Canaveral instead found themselves in police custody after deputies discovered outstanding warrants and alleged probation violations. Among those arrested was a Georgia man accused of violating the conditions of his release in connection with pending murder charges.
The arrests took place during routine law enforcement operations at Port Canaveral, one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, six passengers were taken into custody before or after cruise departures.
Arrest
The most serious case involved 24-year-old Martell Murray of Georgia. Authorities arrested Murray on an out-of-state fugitive warrant alleging that he violated the conditions of his release while facing pending murder charges.
Officials said the warrant was related to an alleged release violation connected to the existing murder case. However, they did not identify the victim, specify the jurisdiction handling the case, or explain which release condition was allegedly violated.
Companion
Murray was traveling with 24-year-old Kenderia Burney, who was also arrested at the port.
According to Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Burney was wanted on a violation-of-probation warrant. Both individuals were booked into the Brevard County Jail on July 17 and remained in custody without bond as of Wednesday, according to jail records.
| Arrested Passenger | Alleged Reason for Arrest |
|---|---|
| Martell Murray | Out-of-state fugitive warrant tied to pending murder case |
| Kenderia Burney | Violation of probation warrant |
Additional
Deputies also arrested Veronica Hamlet, 38, of Tampa, on a failure-to-appear warrant.
Jail records listed her charge as an out-of-county warrant. She was released the following day after posting a $1,000 bond.
Another passenger, James Otha Brewton, 66, of Allendale, South Carolina, was taken into custody on a violation-of-probation warrant. He was released on July 18 after posting a $500 bond.
| Passenger | Charge | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Veronica Hamlet | Failure to appear warrant | Released after $1,000 bond |
| James Otha Brewton | Violation of probation warrant | Released after $500 bond |
Return
The arrests did not end before the cruises departed.
Sheriff Ivey said deputies also stopped two unnamed passengers after they returned from their cruise. Investigators determined both individuals were on felony probation and allegedly left the country without receiving permission from their probation officers.
Authorities said the two passengers would be taken into custody after probation officials completed the necessary paperwork.
Investigation
Officials have not released the identities of the two passengers arrested after the cruise. They also did not disclose the offenses for which the individuals were serving probation.
In addition, the sheriff’s office did not identify the cruise ships or cruise lines connected to any of the six passengers.
Enforcement
Sheriff Wayne Ivey said deputies routinely monitor Port Canaveral and work to identify individuals with active warrants or probation violations.
The arrests highlight the role of law enforcement at major transportation hubs, where officers regularly conduct checks that can result in fugitives or wanted individuals being taken into custody before or after travel.
The series of arrests at Port Canaveral turned what was expected to be a cruise vacation into a legal matter for six passengers. While the investigations continue, authorities say routine warrant checks remain an important part of maintaining public safety at one of Florida’s busiest cruise ports.
