The tia hernlen story is one of the most tragic and unforgettable cases in modern true-crime history. In March 2005, a five-year-old girl faced a nightmare that no child should ever experience. Her calm, composed, and heartbreaking 911 call caught the world’s attention, making her a symbol of innocence, courage, and unbelievable strength. The events of that morning continue to be discussed in podcasts, news reports, crime forums, and documentaries because they highlight how a single act of violence can alter a child’s life forever.
In this detailed guide, you will find a complete, respectful, and well-researched explanation of the incident, the people involved, the shock that followed, and what happened to Tia afterward. This article aims to preserve the facts, correct misconceptions, and honor the memory of Julie and Aeneas Hernlen while telling the full tia hernlen story from start to finish.
Who Was Tia Hernlen Before the Tragedy?
Before the world knew her name, Tia Hernlen was an ordinary 5-year-old living in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She lived in a warm, loving home with her parents:
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Julie Hernlen, age 31
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Aeneas Hernlen, age 29
They were described by friends as peaceful, kind, and focused on building a stable future. Julie studied journalism, and Aeneas worked in automotive repair while pursuing higher education. Together, they raised their daughter in a caring environment surrounded by family, friends, and their beloved dog, Lizza, who would later be mentioned during the 911 call.
Tia’s life, at the time, was simple. She went to preschool, played with her dog, and enjoyed the safety of her family home. Nobody could have predicted how quickly that innocence would be shattered.
Events Leading Up to the Attack
To understand the full tia hernlen story, it is important to know the situation that led to the tragic events.
Who Was David Edward Johnson?
The gunman, David Edward Johnson, age 33, had crossed paths with the Hernlen family about a year before the attack. His life had been unstable due to drug use and legal problems. Johnson mistakenly believed the Hernlens had reported him to police for drug possession.
In reality:
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The Hernlens had no involvement in the arrest.
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Johnson was dealing with personal paranoia and anger.
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He created a false narrative that the couple was responsible for his troubles.
His growing resentment caused him to fixate on the family.
Protective Injunction Filed
Julie and Aeneas became alarmed by Johnson’s behavior. In January 2005, they filed a protective injunction (similar to a restraining order) because they felt unsafe due to his:
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Erratic behavior
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Drug activity
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Possible threats
The court did not grant the injunction due to a lack of “immediate danger,” which is a common issue many victims face when the threat is not yet fully visible to authorities.
Sadly, this decision became one of the tragic elements of the case.
The Night of the Incident – March 28, 2005
In the early morning hours, when the world was still dark and quiet, Johnson entered the Hernlen home armed with a handgun. He moved into the master bedroom where Julie and Aeneas were sleeping.
What Happened Inside the Home
Inside the bedroom:
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Johnson shot both Julie and Aeneas at close range.
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Julie died instantly.
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Aeneas survived the initial shot but was critically injured.
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Johnson then fled the home and later committed suicide at his own residence.
All of this happened while Tia was sleeping in another room.
What Tia Witnessed
Tia woke up to:
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A loud gunshot
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The sound of her father falling
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The terrifying silence of her mother not responding
She walked into the master bedroom and saw both parents covered in blood.
At five years old, she immediately understood something was terribly wrong.
The 911 Call: A Five-Year-Old’s Extraordinary Strength
The moment that changed everything was Tia’s call to emergency services.
Her Composure Shocked the Nation
When dispatcher Donna Choufani answered the phone, she heard a small, quiet voice:
“I think I heard a gunshot.”
Tia calmly described what she saw:
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Her mom was not moving
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Her dad was bleeding
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Their dog Lizza was with her
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She could not wake her parents
One of the most heartbreaking lines from the recording was:
“I said ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy,’ and they didn’t even answer.”
Despite her fear, she remained controlled, polite, and remarkably clear.
The dispatcher guided her gently, asking her age, location, and whether anyone else was in the home.
The call lasted several minutes until authorities arrived at the scene.
Why the Call Became National News
The recording went viral across:
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Television stations
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Radio networks
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Crime documentaries
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Internet forums
People were amazed by:
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Her calm tone
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Her bravery
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Her ability to communicate clearly
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The tragedy she faced with almost adult-level control
The 911 operator later said she felt “heartbroken and amazed” at the same time.
Law Enforcement Response
When police arrived:
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They found Julie deceased in the bedroom.
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They found Aeneas critically wounded.
He was immediately transported to Halifax Medical Center, but he later died from his injuries.
Authorities also discovered:
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Forced entry marks
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Evidence linking Johnson to the crime
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A suicide note left in Johnson’s home
Everything pointed to a premeditated attack driven by paranoia and misinformation.
Aftermath: What Happened to Tia?
After the deaths of her parents, Tia’s life changed completely.
She was placed in the care of her grandparents in Central Florida, where she received:
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Counseling
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Emotional support
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Financial stability through a trust fund
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Community support from neighbors and organizations
A well-known group called 911 Cares sponsored a trip for Tia and her family to Disney World in hopes of helping her heal from the trauma.
The Trust Fund and Support
Family friends and community members created a fund to help secure her:
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Education
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Mental health counseling
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Long-term financial needs
The purpose was to give her the chance to heal and rebuild her life away from the public eye.
Impact of the Story on the Nation
The tragedy sparked national discussions about:
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The limitations of restraining orders
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How courts assess “danger”
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The psychological impact of trauma on children
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Societal responsibility to support victims
The tia hernlen story became a case used as an example in several crime seminars, law enforcement training programs, and mental health discussions.
Media Coverage Over Time
Over the years, the story appeared in:
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Local and national newspapers
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Television news segments
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Crime documentaries
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Podcast episodes
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Online articles
However, media coverage remained respectful by not exposing her private life.
Where Is Tia Now?
Publicly available information about Tia’s life today is extremely limited.
This privacy is deliberate and important.
What is known:
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She grew up with family support
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She avoided public media exposure
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She has no known public social media accounts
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She has chosen a normal, private life
There are no verified photos or interviews of her as an adult.
Respecting her privacy remains essential.
Why the Story Continues to Matter
The case remains unforgettable because it highlights:
✔ The resilience of children
Tia’s composure during the 911 call saved her life.
✔ The importance of mental health awareness
Johnson acted based on paranoia, resentment, and misinformation.
✔ The flaws in restraining order evaluations
The court’s decision not to grant the injunction left the family unprotected.
✔ The deep impact of crime on families
The extended Hernlen family stepped in to protect and raise Tia with love.
Final Thoughts
The tia hernlen story remains one of the most heartbreaking yet inspiring true-crime cases in recent memory. A little girl’s courage highlighted the human ability to stay calm under unthinkable circumstances. While her parents lost their lives, Tia survived because she acted quickly, listened carefully, and trusted the dispatcher guiding her.
Her story is a reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and awareness. Today, Tia lives a private life, protected from media attention and supported by the legacy of love left behind by Julie and Aeneas.
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