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

Register Now for 12th Annual Lauren's Burg Hill 5 Mile/5K

Save with early bird registration through June 14.

Farmer Music Center Shares New Details on Construction

The state-of-the-art facility will be located just off I-275 and adjacent to Riverbend Music Center.

Fire Hydrant Painting Project Scheduled for June 11

The project will take place in downtown Lawrenceburg.

South Dearborn Athletics Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2026

The induction ceremony is set for June 12.

Local Sports Report - May 25, 2026

The IHSAA Softball State Tournament got underway.

Local Sports Report - May 22-23, 2026

Limited action due to inclement weather.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Kenny Chesney - Pirate Flag

Mary Chapin Carpenter I Feel Lucky 6:18
George Strait 3 Drinks Behind 6:15
Blake Shelton Neon Light 6:08
Sara Evans I Could Not Ask For More 6:04