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

Bill Co-Authored, Sponsored by Patterson Ceremonially Signed by Gov. Braun

The bills improve health care access, and support first responders.

All-way Stop Coming to U.S. 52 in New Trenton

Installation of the all-way stop is expected to take up to one day.

Ohio River Way Embarks on Biggest Challenge Yet: 23 Days, 488.5 Miles

Over 23 days, a volunteer crew of paddlers will paddle 488 miles from Huntington, WV, to Evansville, IN.

Local Sports Report - April 16, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Rising Sun Opening Day Set for April 25

Parade, picnic and ballpark party.

Local Sports Report - April 15, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Brad Paisley - Beat This Summer

Sawyer Brown Cafe on the Corner 23:38
Brett Young Here Tonight 23:34
Justin Moore Why We Drink 23:30
Kenny Chesney Me And You 23:26