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

INDOT, ISP Urge Safe Travel Following Severe Storms

Locally, Franklin County is under a Level Orange Travel Watch

George Street Bridge Closure

The closure is for the installation of lighting on the bridge.

UPDATE: Significant Flooding Expected Along Whitewater River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is advising that the Whitewater River is expected to reach approximately 23 feet around 2:00 AM Thursday morning.

2026 Team Preview: East Central Returns to Class 4A as Top-Ranked Team

The Trojans will host Lawrenceburg to kick off the season on Friday, August 21.

Batesville Announces New Varsity Baseball Head Coach

A familiar face takes over the program

Local Sports Report - August 10, 2026

IHSAA Girls Golf State Preview took place on Monday in Carmel

On Air

Chelsie playing
Kip Moore - Beer Money

Travis Tritt Best of Intentions 6:18
Carly Pearce Truck On Fire 6:15
Blake Shelton Sangria 6:08
Tracy Byrd The Truth About Men 6:05