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Irvington Today
By the People, for the People
Hardinsburg Man Faces Decades in Prison After Shooting Breckinridge Deputy
Julio Morales Ceballos pled guilty to multiple charges including attempted murder of a peace officer and domestic violence.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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A 54-year-old Hardinsburg, Kentucky man named Julio Morales Ceballos has pled guilty to several felony charges, including two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and two counts of attempted murder related to domestic violence, after shooting a Breckinridge County deputy and two police cruisers in January 2025. Ceballos was arrested the day after the incident following a search by multiple law enforcement agencies.
Why it matters
This case highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face when responding to domestic disputes, as well as the serious consequences for individuals who commit violent crimes against first responders and their own family members. The guilty plea and lengthy potential prison sentence also demonstrate the justice system's efforts to hold perpetrators of these types of violent acts accountable.
The details
On January 11, 2025, Ceballos shot a Breckinridge County deputy who was responding to a domestic dispute call on Highway 2779 north of Hardinsburg. Ceballos also shot at two police cruisers before fleeing into a nearby wooded area. The deputy suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Ceballos was arrested the following day after a search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. He was initially charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and fourth-degree assault related to domestic violence. Additional charges of two counts of attempted murder (domestic violence) and three counts of second-degree cruelty to animals were later added.
- On January 11, 2025, Ceballos shot a Breckinridge County deputy and two police cruisers.
- Ceballos was arrested the day after the shooting incident on January 12, 2025.
- Ceballos pled guilty to the charges on February 5, 2026.
- Ceballos is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2026.
The players
Julio Morales Ceballos
A 54-year-old man from Hardinsburg, Kentucky who pled guilty to multiple felony charges including attempted murder of a peace officer and domestic violence.
Breckinridge County Deputy
A law enforcement officer who was shot by Ceballos while responding to a domestic dispute call, suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
What’s next
Ceballos is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2026, where he could face decades in prison for the charges he pled guilty to.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the need for continued efforts to address domestic violence and ensure the safety of law enforcement officers responding to these types of volatile situations. The lengthy potential prison sentence also serves as a strong deterrent against committing such violent acts against first responders and family members.
