Tia Hernlen became a household name in the entire United States owing to an unfortunate and shocking incident recorded in 2005 that changed her life completely. Being only 5 years old, she bravely called 911, and the entire nation’s attention was drawn towards her. Her story is of bravery, heartaches, and life disruptions brought by tragedies that are beyond comprehension.
Tia Hernlen Story
The Tia Hernlen story began on March 28, 2005, in Volusia County, Florida, when she was abruptly awakened in the early morning hours by the sound of gunshots. Her home, which was supposed to be a place of safety, had been turned into a crime scene.
As Tia walked into her parents’ bedroom, she found both her mother, Julie Hernlen, and her father, Aeneas Hernlen, lying in bed with severe gunshot wounds.
Without hesitation, Tia picked up the phone and dialed 911, making a call that showcased her bravery beyond her years. Her voice, calm yet frightened, guided the emergency responders to her home. “My mommy and daddy… there’s blood,” she explained to the operator, struggling to comprehend the horror unfolding before her.
She remained composed, despite witnessing the devastating aftermath of a violent crime. This moment marked the beginning of the tragic chapter that would follow Tia’s life.
Tia Hernlen Parents
Tia Hernlen’s parents, Julie Hernlen, 31, and Aeneas Hernlen, 29, were described as loving and caring individuals who were deeply devoted to their daughter.
They were both tragically shot in their sleep by a man named David Edward Johnson, who had been involved in a long-standing dispute with the couple.
Johnson, who mistakenly believed that the Hernlens were responsible for his legal troubles, broke into their home with a gun and opened fire on them.
Julie Hernlen was pronounced dead at the scene, while Aeneas Hernlen was still alive but critically injured when the authorities arrived. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The loss of her parents meant that Tia Hernlen, at just 5 years old, was left to face a life without the two people who loved her most. Johnson, the man responsible for this senseless act, took his own life shortly after the incident, leaving behind more questions than answers.
What Happened to Tia Hernlen?
The fateful day that claimed both Tia Hernlen’s parents marked a significant turning point in her life for the worse. She was placed with relatives and caring people who scrambled to help her adjust following such a terrible ordeal.
Several local and international media houses picked up the story of Tia Hernlen, and several people desired to help her. There were all shapes and kinds of contributions, including support groups and fundraising campaigns done for her benefit.
Even though Tia received huge moral support from the community, the process was not easy for her. The fact that she lost both of her parents at an early age implied that the burden of loss and pain would be part of her existence until she died.
On the other hand, she also evolved as one of the strong and tough women, showing that it is possible to move on, however unlikely it may seem, even after the worst possible tragedy.
Where Is Tia Hernlen Today?
There has been a dearth of public information on Tia Hernlen’s case in the last few years. Her family has rightfully shielded the general public from some of the more tense realities of her life so as not to further aggravate her condition.
Due to the public nature of her parents’ homicide, some sources explain that Tia has since then been provided a sheltered place away from the public to protect her well-being.
As to where Tia lives is still a mystery, it is known that now official monetary and moral help was given to Tia by many people from other countries, helping her return to normality.
Her case is a true example of how people, even little girls like Tia, can find inner strength and bravery when faced with misfortunes.
Tia Hernlen Now
It’s been nearly two decades since that fateful day, and Tia Hernlen would be in her early 20s now. Although little is known about Tia Hernlen now, one can only hope that she has been lying low for some time, and it is all from her relative and preferably highly educated family that comes from a well-known family.
We would assume that her present life is more of moving on and moving forward with the help of sounding family members whom she has been with throughout the years.
The burden of losing a loved one and being placed on a pedestal for the whole world to witness at such a tender age is something that most people cannot relate to.
Tia’s story is an illustrative lesson of how life can change in the blink of an eye, as well as how life events, even the deepest ones, can be coped with.
Where Is Tia Hernlen Now?
The question, “Where is Tia Hernlen now?” often arises from those who remember her story and wish to know how she has fared after such an ordeal.
However, due to the understandable desire for privacy and protection, there have been no recent updates or reports on her exact location or circumstances.
This silence is likely intentional, as it allows her to lead a life unburdened by public scrutiny and the traumatic events of her past.
Tia Hernlen Today
Today, Tia Hernlen represents more than just the survivor of a tragedy; she stands as a testament to human resilience. Tia Hernlen is more than a victim of a tragedy. Most inspiring is that in spite of all these apparent hurdles, Tia still has an engaging story worth sharing with those all over the continents.
Her 911 call is one of the most heartbreaking calls made and recorded in recent history and serves as a constant reminder to us all of how easy life can be taken away and that even after such a loss, it is possible to prevail.
Conclusion
Tia Hernlen’s journey is one that touched the hearts of millions; at such a tender age as five years, there is this courageous aspect of her that remains. This is the aspect that will forever be remembered in her.
Even though her story is a sad one, it has caused a lot of people to think more about the power of kindness and the power of togetherness, and the power of the human spirit itself.
