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

YES Home Announces Historic Expansion Funded by Community Partners

The expansion will double the ability to care for youth and add 10 jobs to the local economy

Raw Sewage Discharge Affecting Area Rivers Has Been Resolved

The issue arose following severe storms and flooding last month.

FEMA Approves $2.1M to Hoosiers within First Week of Major Disaster Declaration

The deadline to apply for FEMA’s individual assistance is Oct. 25, 2026.

Switzerland County Golf Star Sets School Record

Alexis Mangold put together an incredible nine-hole round on Tuesday night.

Local Sports Report - September 1, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com 

Milan's Langferman Named MIFC Offensive Player of the Week

Langferman had a big game in a narrow loss to Batesville

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Zach Top - There's The Sun

George Jones The One I Loved Back Then 1:17
Mark Chesnutt Too Cold At Home 1:11
Michael Ray Spirits & Demons 1:08
Carrie Underwood Undo It 1:05