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

Dearborn County Chamber Announces 2026 Dearborn County Women of Distinction

The Luncheon will be held October 1 at the Lawrenceburg Event Center

Gov. Braun Cuts Local Debris Cleanup Costs for Eligible Communities Recovering from August Storms

The State will cover majority of remaining costs after FEMA reimbursement for eligible debris removal projects

Longtime Lawrenceburg Soccer Coach Reaches 300 Wins

The 300th win came in dramatic fashion.

Local Sports Report - September 10, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

MIFC Names Top Performers for Week 3

Milan players took home two of the three awards

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Easton Corbin - Girl Like You

Michael Ray Spirits & Demons 6:22
Lonestar My Front Porch Looking In 6:19
Jon Pardi Honkytonk Hollywood 6:15
Ricky Skaggs Let It Be You 6:13