Can a five-year-old's voice truly capture the essence of unimaginable horror? In the tragic case of Tia Hernlen, the answer is a resounding yes; her composed 911 call, made after discovering her parents murdered, shocked a nation and remains a testament to the strength found in the face of the unthinkable.

The early morning of March 28, 2005, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, shattered the innocence of a young girl named Tia Hernlen. Awakened by the chaos, she discovered her parents, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen, victims of a brutal crime. The perpetrator, David Edward Johnson, a disgruntled acquaintance, had entered their home, driven by a misguided belief that the couple had informed on his alleged marijuana cultivation. Johnson's actions culminated in the fatal shooting of the Hernlens, followed by his own suicide, leaving behind a trail of devastation and unanswered questions.

Full Name	Tia Skye Hernlen (formerly Tia Hernlen)
Date of Birth	2000
Age (as of 2024)	24 years
Place of Birth	New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States
Parents	Julie Hernlen (Mother), Aeneas Hernlen (Father)
Known For	Being the subject of a high-profile case involving the murder of her parents and her remarkable composure during the 911 call
Tragic Event	The murder of her parents, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen, on March 28, 2005
Circumstances of Parents' Death	Shot dead by David Edward Johnson, who then committed suicide
Current Life	Living a private life in Central Florida, changed her name in 2018
Reference	Example Website (Replace with a reliable source)

The 911 call, a chilling recording, paints a vivid picture of the scene. A small voice, remarkably calm and composed, relays the horrific details: "My mommy and daddy... I think there is a bullet on the floor, and there is blood coming out of my dad's mouth and he..." The dispatcher, Donna Choufani, guided the young girl through the harrowing experience, a testament to both Tia's resilience and the dispatchers professionalism. This call, filled with a child's innocence and the stark reality of violence, became a national conversation starter, sparking discussions about the effects of violence on children and the importance of support systems for victims of crime.

The immediate aftermath of the tragedy saw the community rallying around the orphaned child. A trust fund was established to provide for Tia's future, reflecting the outpouring of compassion and a desire to help her navigate the painful journey ahead. Tia's story quickly gained national attention. News outlets chronicled the events, focusing on the bravery she exhibited and the immense burden she had to bear.

David Edward Johnson, the man responsible for the Hernlens' deaths, was 33 years old at the time of the crime. His motive stemmed from paranoia and misguided assumptions about the couples involvement in his drug-related arrest. The investigation revealed that the Hernlens had no connection to his legal troubles, highlighting the irrationality and devastating consequences of his actions. Johnson broke into the Hernlens residence in Volusia County, Florida, and carried out the heinous act, leaving a community in shock.

The physical evidence at the crime scene confirmed the grim reality: Julie Hernlen, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene. Aeneas Hernlen, 29, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day. The loss of both parents left a void in Tias life, forcing her to confront grief and loss at an age when most children are shielded from such harsh realities.

In the years that followed, Tia Hernlen made a conscious decision to prioritize her privacy. In 2018, she changed her name, seeking to build a life away from the relentless scrutiny that had defined her childhood. She moved to central Florida, seeking a degree of anonymity, even as she continued to receive support from the community that had embraced her in her darkest hour.

The events of March 28, 2005, cast a long shadow, but Tia Hernlens story is also one of courage and strength. It demonstrates the capacity for resilience even in the face of profound loss. The story is a reminder of the devastating impact of violence on individuals and communities, but also of the profound power of empathy and support.

Tia Hernlens story is not just a recounting of a crime; its a testament to the enduring human spirit. Her ability to remain composed during the 911 call, her decision to protect her privacy, and her continued journey toward healing are all indicators of remarkable resilience. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence, supporting victims, and ensuring the legal system protects those most vulnerable. The incident sparked extensive discussions on the effects of violence on children and the necessity of offering compassion and solidarity in the wake of tragedy.

The details of the crime are a grim reminder of the senselessness of violence. Johnson's belief that the Hernlens had reported his alleged illegal activities was unfounded, highlighting the tragic consequences of paranoia. His actions deprived a young girl of her parents and inflicted lasting pain on the community.

Tia Hernlen's life story offers a unique insight into how an individual copes with the psychological trauma of a violent crime, underscoring the vital need for mental health support and trauma-informed care for victims. The incident underscores the crucial role that community compassion, legal safety nets, and public awareness play in assisting those who have experienced life-altering events.

The case of Tia Hernlen, and the actions of David Edward Johnson, sparked an emotional reaction across the nation. It stands as a stark warning of the devastating implications of violence and a powerful example of one child's ability to meet adversity with remarkable strength. The story encourages ongoing conversations around addressing domestic violence, supporting those who have been victimized, and ensuring that the legal system efficiently safeguards those at risk. The community embraced her in her darkest hour.

The community set up a trust fund to care for the orphaned child as a result of the horrible tragedy, and she moved to central Florida.

Tia Hernlen, aka Tia Skye Hernlen, daughter of Julie Hernlen and Aenas Hernlen, was shot dead by David Edward Johnson in Volusia County, Florida, on Monday, March 28, 2005.

Tia Hernlen, a name associated with bravery, faced unimaginable sadness at the age of five years old.

Despite this terrible event, Tia's bravery during the 911 call earned her national recognition.

Tia Hernlen's ability to stay composed and thoughtful during the call astounded investigators.

The 911 recording emphasized how young Tia remained calm and thoughtful, even though she had just lost both parents.

Tia's resilience and strength in the face of unbelievable adversity serve as a testament to her courage and the support she has received from those around her.

Tia Hernlen's story is a reminder of the impact of violence on people and communities.

Tia's parents, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen, were tragically murdered by David Edward Johnson in 2005 when Tia was a child.