Forensics Link Man To Church Burglary

Shirl Dion Johnson

Ripley County Jail

(Batesville, Ind.) - Batesville Police have arrested a man accused of breaking into and vandalizing a church.

 

Shirl Dion Johnson, 48, Batesville, allegedly broke into the Batesville Methodist Church on Park Avenue on June 3, 2011.

 

He stole money from the church and vandalized it, said Chief of Police Stan Holt in a release.

 

Batesville crime scene investigator Jerry Taul collected evidence at the scene, which was sent to the Indiana State Police Crime Lab. On December 7, the lab came back saying the evidence linked Johnson to the scene

 

Johnson was arrested Tuesday on charges of Burglary (Class B felony) and Theft (Class D felony). He faces six to 23 years in prison if convicted.

More from Local News

Events

  • Al-Anon Meeting

    Help for Friends and Family of a problem drinker. You know what it is doing to them, do you know what it is doing to you?

    at Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church
  • Dolly's Summer Tour

    Our Dolly Parton stand-up is making her rounds to participating local businesses all summer long! Send in your selfie with Dolly for a chance to win!

  • Grief Share

    No matter the circumstances, grief is painful and confusing. GriefShare offers a safe, welcoming group where others understand your loss the emotions of grief.

    at The Cove

NKY Man Charged with 10 Counts of Criminal Abuse

The reported abuse occurred on August 19

Gravelrama Parade Route Changing Direction Due to Ongoing Bridge Project

Get all the need to know before the parade takes place on Wednesday, August 26

NWS Released Rainfall Reports from August 12-13

Some areas were impacted more than others.

Local Sports Report - August 21-22, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - August 20, 2026

There was plenty of action in multiple sports on Thursday night

LHS Swimming Announces Partnership with Cincinnati Marlins

The partnership will expand swimming opportunities in the community.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Joe Diffie - Honky Tonk Attitude

Sam Hunt Body Like a Back Road 13:22
Exile Kiss You All Over 13:18
Martina McBride Wild Angels 13:12
Lee Brice Memory I Don't Mess With 13:09