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Irvington Today
By the People, for the People
Hardinsburg Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Shooting Breckinridge Deputy
Julio Morales Ceballos pled guilty to multiple felonies related to the January 2025 incident.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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Julio Morales Ceballos, 54, of Hardinsburg, Kentucky, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting a Breckinridge County deputy and two police cruisers during a domestic dispute in January 2025. Ceballos pled guilty to four counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and cruelty to animals.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement face when responding to domestic violence calls, which can often escalate into dangerous situations. The sentencing also raises questions about gun violence, mental health, and the criminal justice system's ability to address repeat offenders.
The details
In January 2025, Ceballos shot a Breckinridge County deputy who was responding to a domestic dispute call. He also shot 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 by multiple law enforcement agencies.
- On January 11, 2025, Ceballos shot a Breckinridge County deputy and two police cruisers.
- Ceballos was arrested the day after the shooting incident.
- On February 4, 2026, Ceballos pled guilty to the charges.
- On March 5, 2026, Ceballos was formally sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The players
Julio Morales Ceballos
A 54-year-old man from Hardinsburg, Kentucky, who pled guilty to four counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and cruelty to animals.
Breckinridge County Deputy
A law enforcement officer who was responding to a domestic dispute call and suffered non-life-threatening injuries when shot by Ceballos.
What’s next
The judge's decision on Ceballos' sentencing will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how the criminal justice system handles similar cases of violence against law enforcement.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the need for improved training, resources, and support for law enforcement when responding to domestic violence calls, as well as the importance of addressing underlying mental health and substance abuse issues that can contribute to such violent outbursts.
