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

Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Waldron Man

The crash happened Friday evening in Versailles.

Chicago Bears Advance Toward Move to Indiana

The legendary NFL franchise is looking to move to Hammond.

SDCSC Celebrates South Dearborn HS Class of 2026

SDHS had 146 graduates this year.

Batesville Go Back-to-Back as Sectional Champs

Sectional 28 was held at Greensburg Country Club.

Local Sports Report - June 5-6, 2026

Track & Field State Finals, Softball Semi-State, Baseball Regional, and Boys Golf Sectional results.

Batesville Captures Third Straight EIAC Championship

The conference meet was held at Rising Star.

Eric Church Monsters 23:56
Luke Bryan All My Friends Say 23:52
Chris Janson All I Need Is You - EAGLE ONLY 23:49
Scotty McCreery In Between 23:45