At just five years old, Tia Hernlen did something most adults would struggle with—she calmly picked up the phone and dialed 911 after waking up to a horrifying scene in her home. On the morning of March 28, 2005, Tia found both her parents shot in their bedroom. Her mother was already dead, and her father would later die from his wounds. But instead of panicking, Tia described the situation to the dispatcher with an unbelievable level of calm and clarity.
This blog post explores Tia Hernlen’s story—not only the heartbreaking crime that changed her life but also how her voice and courage became a moment that the world would never forget. Many people still search for her name, trying to understand how a young child could show such bravery in such a traumatic moment. This article will help you understand her story, what happened, what it meant for the world, and how she is remembered today.
What Happened to Tia Hernlen? Chronology of the Night
It was the early hours of March 28, 2005, in Volusia County, Florida. A little girl named Tia Hernlen was asleep in her home when gunshots woke her. She walked into her parents’ bedroom and found a terrible scene. Her mother, Julie Hernlen, was already dead. Her father, Aeneas Hernlen, was alive but barely breathing. Blood was on the bed and floor. Tia didn’t scream. She didn’t run. She quietly went to the phone and dialed 911.
The shooter, David Edward Johnson, believed that Tia’s parents had reported him to the authorities over drug-related issues. However, that wasn’t true. He had made threats against the Hernlens before, but the couple’s request for a restraining order was denied due to a lack of strong legal grounds. Johnson broke into their home that night, shot both parents, and then went home and took his own life.
Incident Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 28, 2005 |
| Location | Volusia County, Florida |
| Victims | Julie Hernlen (deceased), Aeneas Hernlen (later died) |
| Shooter | David Edward Johnson |
| Motive | False belief Hernlens had reported him |
| Outcome | Johnson committed suicide after attack |
Analyzing the 911 Call of Tia Hernlen
Tia Hernlen’s 911 call is often remembered as one of the most heartbreaking yet composed emergency calls ever made by a child. At just five years old, her voice was calm, almost soft, but she gave important details. She told the dispatcher, “I think there is blood on the floor… and my mommy and daddy won’t wake up.” She explained that her parents were hurt, mentioned their names, and even described where they were lying. Her ability to stay focused in such a moment was truly extraordinary.
The 911 dispatcher, Donna Choufani, guided Tia with gentle questions, and Tia answered everything clearly. She explained how she had taken care of the family dog and knew where the gun was on the floor. Even though she was only a child, her responses helped emergency services understand the urgency and nature of the situation. Her tone was never panicked—she was trying to help. That call showed a deep strength that people around the world later praised.
911 Call Highlights
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Tia’s age | 5 years old |
| Call made to | 911 emergency services |
| Dispatcher | Donna Choufani |
| Key details shared | Blood on the floor, parents unresponsive, pet safe |
| Length of call | Several minutes of clear communication |
| Emotional tone | Calm, direct, and informative |
Profile: Tia Hernlen and Her Family Background
Before the tragedy, Tia Hernlen lived a quiet and loving life with her parents in Volusia County, Florida. Her parents, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen, were both in their late 20s and had careers in law and education. They were known as caring, responsible individuals who deeply loved their daughter. Tia was their only child and had just started preschool. She enjoyed spending time with her family and had a small dog that she mentioned during the 911 call. Even in the chaos, she told the dispatcher that she had fed her dog, showing how mature and thoughtful she was for her age.
Julie and Aeneas were active in their community and tried to protect their family. Months before the incident, they had reported threats from David Edward Johnson, a man they feared. They also requested a restraining order, but unfortunately, the legal system did not provide the protection they needed in time. Despite this, they continued to raise Tia in a safe and stable home. They couldn’t have imagined that their lives would end so violently, leaving their daughter to face a moment no child should ever experience.
Aftermath & Investigation: What Came Next
After the tragic shooting, authorities launched a full investigation into what happened to the Hernlen family. They quickly identified David Edward Johnson as the shooter. He had a history of paranoia and legal troubles, and investigators found that he wrongly believed the Hernlens had reported him to law enforcement. This belief, fueled by anger and fear of prosecution, drove him to commit the murders. After shooting Julie and Aeneas, Johnson returned to his own home and took his own life with the same gun.
Law enforcement later revealed that the Hernlens had tried to get legal protection from Johnson. Their request for a restraining order was denied because it didn’t meet the strict requirements under Florida law at the time. This raised serious questions about how the justice system handles threats and stalking cases, especially when families seek help before things escalate. The case led to calls for change in protective order policies, particularly when children could be affected.
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Tia Hernlen’s Legacy: Impact on Crisis Response and Resilience
The story of Tia Hernlen did not end with tragedy. Instead, her brave 911 call became a symbol of courage, even in the face of fear. Her calm voice and thoughtful answers during that emergency helped not only first responders but also touched people across the country. Many 911 dispatchers and child safety experts began using Tia’s story in training sessions to show how children can respond in crisis situations if they are taught how to act. Her case has inspired some schools and parents to talk more openly with children about what to do in emergencies.
Beyond training, her experience also pushed lawmakers and the public to reconsider how restraining orders and family protections are handled. Though her parents tried to get help before the shooting, their efforts were turned away. This sparked discussions about making protective laws more flexible, especially when families express clear fears for their safety. Tia’s story highlighted that sometimes systems fail, and that failure can leave innocent people exposed. Her voice is now part of a bigger call for better protection, awareness, and response for families in danger.
Q&A: Common Questions About Tia Hernlen
Many people who hear about this story still have questions about Tia Hernlen—what happened after, where she is now, and what impact the case had on laws and society. While some details remain private to protect her, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Where is Tia Hernlen today?
Tia has lived a private life since the incident. After the deaths of her parents, she was placed in the care of trusted family members. A trust fund was created by the community to support her future. As of now, no public interviews or statements have been made by Tia herself.
Was the 911 call released publicly?
Yes, parts of the 911 call were released to the media. It captured her calm voice and strong composure. However, full audio is not widely distributed out of respect for her privacy.
Did this case change any laws?
Although no specific law was passed solely because of this case, it helped fuel ongoing conversations about the need for stronger stalking and threat protection laws. It highlighted the gaps in how threats are handled before they become deadly.
Who was David Edward Johnson and what was his motive?
He was a man with past criminal charges and a grudge against the Hernlens. He believed—wrongly—that they had reported him for drug-related crimes. This false belief led to the tragic shooting.
How is Tia remembered by the public?
Though she avoids public attention, Tia is remembered as a symbol of strength and bravery. Her voice during that call made headlines worldwide. Many still honor her for her calm and clarity during unimaginable horror.
Closing Thoughts: Lessons from the Courage of Tia Hernlen
The story of Tia Hernlen is painful, unforgettable, and deeply moving. It reminds us that courage can come in the smallest voices, and even a five-year-old can act with strength that changes lives. Tia did not just survive a horrifying event—she became a part of something larger. Her calm 911 call helped emergency services respond faster and showed the world how children, when taught, can respond wisely even in moments of crisis.
But her story also raises hard questions. Why wasn’t her family protected when they asked for help? Why did the system fail to stop a man they feared? These are the questions that still echo today. Tia’s case is more than a tragic event—it’s a call to do better. It’s a lesson in listening, protecting, and being prepared. We must build systems that protect families before it’s too late, and we must honor children like Tia, whose bravery continues to inspire.
