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

Ripley Crossing 11th Annual Classic Cruise-In for Alzheimer’s

Your hometown radio station will also be on-site broadcasting live. 

Former Dillsboro Volunteer Fire Department member James Ralph "Jim Vinup passes away at 84

Family and friends may gather in remembering Jim from 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, August 28, at the Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home in Dillsboro.

Oldenburg Academy and Freudenfest Committee Launch Maypole Heritage Park Initiative

The project is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.

Local Sports Report - August 26, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Greendale Middle School Boys Cross Country Team Earns 2nd Place at Greensburg Invitational

One of the largest middle school cross country events in the state.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Runaway June - Buy My Own Drinks

Luke Bryan Rain Is A Good Thing 6:35
Morgan Wallen I Got Better 6:32
Sawyer Brown The Boys And Me 6:27
Old Dominion I Was on a Boat That Day 6:24