When you hear the name Tia Hernlen, you’re introduced to more than a news story you meet a little girl’s raw courage, unimaginable loss, and a path toward healing that speaks to each of us. At age five, Tia found herself facing a nightmare no child should ever know: she woke up to gunshots, entered her parents’ bedroom, found them injured and then alone in the house and she did what no one expected. She called 911. That moment changed her life forever.
In this article you’ll walk through the key moments of the story of Tia Hernlen: the night of the tragedy, how she responded, the investigation that followed, her healing journey, and the lessons we can draw. I’ll also explore the broader themes of trauma, resilience, and support so you can reflect on your own life or the lives of those you care about. If you’re ready, let’s dive into the brave story of Tia Hernlen.
Who is Tia Hernlen?
The child at the centre
At just five years old, Tia Hernlen found herself in a terrifying situation: she awakened hearing gunshots in her house in Florida.
Walking into the room, she saw her parents — her mother, Julie Hernlen, and father, Aeneas Hernlen both shot and unresponsive.
In that moment, Tia took action: she dialled 911, reported what she saw and gave important details to the dispatcher a level of composure that stunned law enforcement.
Why her story matters
Tia’s story matters because it intersects multiple themes: childhood trauma, sudden loss, survival, and the potential for growth after tragedy. It also raises questions we should ask about how systems handle risk, how communities support children in crisis, and how individuals heal. Later in this article I’ll walk through those lessons and you can think about how they might apply in your world.
The Night of the Tragedy
What happened
- On the early morning of March 28, 2005, in Volusia County, Florida, Tia awoke to gunshots.
- She immediately went to her parents’ bedroom and discovered the horrifying scene. She told the 911 dispatcher: “I think they’re dead.”
- Her father, Aeneas, 29, was taken to the hospital and died the next day; her mother, Julie, 31, was found dead at the scene.
- The shooter was identified as David Edward Johnson, 33, who believed (incorrectly) that the Hernlens had reported him for illegal drug activity. He later committed suicide.
The 911 call
One of the most striking parts of the story is the emergency call itself. For a little girl just starting school, her ability to talk with clarity and detail was remarkable.
For example:
“My daddy’s on the floor… there’s blood on the plant and blood on the floor.”
The dispatcher’s questions, Tia’s responses they show a child both terrified and somehow functioning under enormous pressure. Experts would later describe it as “extraordinary composure for a five-year-old.”
Immediate aftermath
Following the call, deputies arrived at the scene. A restraining order request had previously been denied despite threats from Johnson illustrating the complexity of protection in cases of stalking and harassment.
A trust fund was established for Tia’s future since she was now orphaned.
The Healing Journey: From Crisis to Resilience
You might be wondering: what happens after such a shocking event? How does a child like Tia move forward? While many details of her later life remain private, we can piece together the key themes of her recovery and resilience.
Immediate support and stability
In the wake of the shootings, Tia was taken in by relatives. Having a stable environment is a critical first step in helping a child process trauma. Law-enforcement officials noted that her young age meant the meaning of death might not fully register, but long-term effects were a concern.
Processing the trauma
The psychological impact of witnessing (or discovering) parental violence is immense. Research on childhood trauma tells us that:
- Early support is critical (counselling, safe environment).
- Routine and consistency help re-establish a sense of normalcy.
- Children may show delayed responses (anxiety, nightmares, regression).
While there’s no public detailed record of every step Tia took, accounts indicate that community support and the trust fund played important roles.
Growing into advocacy and meaning
Some reports suggest that as Tia got older, she chose to maintain a low public profile. One write-up states:
“Tia Hernlen has chosen to live a private life. She is missing from online platforms… a demonstration of her longing for security.”
Living privately after such a public moment is a valid choice. For many survivors, reclaiming control means choosing what visibility, if any, they want.
What resilience looks like
From Tia’s story we see several elements of resilience:
- Help when it mattered: a trusted adult, safe home, financial support.
- Internal strength: even at five, she showed resourcefulness and clarity.
- Acknowledging pain: her story didn’t just vanish she and others reflected on it, which is vital for healing.
- Choosing path forward: whether public or private, survivors often find ways to build a life beyond the event.
Key Lessons for You and Others
Here are take-aways from Tia Hernlen’s experience that anyone can apply whether you’re a parent, educator, friend, or just someone who wants to be prepared.
1. Teaching children about emergencies
Tia’s ability to call 911 and describe what was happening is rare but instructive. You can help by:
- Teaching children their address, phone number, how to call emergency services.
- Practising scenarios (who to call if a parent is hurt, etc.).
- Encouraging children to speak up about what they see or hear.
2. Recognising early signs of threat
In Tia’s family, threats had been made and a restraining order had been filed (but denied). This shows:
- Patterns of stalking or harassment matter and should be taken seriously.
- Systems (legal, social) have limits communities and families may need to add layers of protection.
- If you sense something is off, trust your instincts.
3. Supporting children after traumatic events
Recovery isn’t just about surviving it’s about thriving again. Consider:
- Ensuring they have trusted adults to talk to.
- Stabilizing daily routines.
- Helping them express feelings (art, writing, talking).
- Monitoring for long-term effects (sleep issues, anxiety).
4. The power of community and support
Tia’s story highlights that community support can make a difference emotionally and financially. For you:
- Be someone who notices: reach out when someone’s life changes suddenly.
- Support local-level efforts: counseling programs, child services, trauma-informed schools.
- Model empathy: little acts of kindness can help people rebuild.
5. Healing is individual
Every survivor’s journey is unique. Tia chose privacy. Others choose public advocacy. What’s important is:
- You (or someone you’re helping) gets to decide the pace and path.
- It’s okay to say no to public attention.
- It’s okay to say yes to purpose-driven action.
Addressing Common Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Tia Hernlen’s story and how you might think about them in your own context.
Why was the attacker targeting the Hernlen family?
According to reports, the attacker believed the Hernlens had turned him into law enforcement for drug charges. That belief was false.
How old is Tia Hernlen now?
Since she was five in 2005, she would be in her early twenties by the mid-2020s. One article estimated about 23 years old.
What happened to the attacker?
The attacker, David Edward Johnson, committed suicide at his home later the same day as the murders.
Was there a trust fund for Tia?
Yes a local news report confirmed a trust fund was established to support her future.
How does childhood trauma like hers affect development?
Trauma in early childhood can impact emotional regulation, relationships, educational progress, and mental health. But with support, children can and do heal and thrive. The presence of stable support, routines, therapy, and positive relationships all improve outcomes.
Is Tia publicly active in advocacy work now?
There is no strong evidence of her having a public advocacy role. Some write-ups suggest she lives privately and has stayed out of the spotlight.
Reflection and Moving Forward
Reading the story of Tia Hernlen is confronting. It reminds us of how fragile life is and how resilient the human spirit can be. For you, it might prompt reflection:
- Safety first: Are your children or loved ones prepared for emergencies?
- Support systems: Do you have adults in your life (or in others’ lives) who are dependable and responsive?
- Trauma awareness: If someone you know has experienced trauma, have you considered what support they need right now and over time?
- Purpose and growth: Have you overcome something difficult, and could that experience become a source of strength for you and others?
I’ll admit: writing this, I felt both awe and sadness. Awe at Tia’s bravery. Sadness for the loss and the pain. Yet hopeful, because her story did not end in helplessness it edged toward healing, resilience, and quiet strength.
Conclusion
In telling the story of Tia Hernlen, you’re not just reading about a tragic event. You’re witnessing a human being’s early confrontation with evil, her internal strength, the systems responding (and sometimes failing), and the gentle unfolding of healing and resilience. Her name now stands for more than victimhood it stands for survival, potential and hope.
I hope you found this article enlightening and human-touching. If Tia’s story resonates, you might consider sharing it — or look around you to support children and families who may be silently navigating trauma.
Now I’d love to hear from you: What part of Tia’s journey stood out most to you? Or maybe you know someone who has overcome something similar. Want to share next steps on how you might turn a challenging event into a source of growth? Your thoughts and reflections are welcome.
FAQs
1. Who exactly is Tia Hernlen?
She is a girl who, at age five in 2005, woke to gunshots, found her parents shot in their Florida home and bravely called 911.
2. What happened to her parents?
Her mother, Julie Hernlen, died at the scene; her father, Aeneas Hernlen, died the next day in hospital.
3. Why did the shooting happen?
The perpetrator wrongly believed the Hernlens had reported him to law enforcement for drug activity. He acted in revenge.
4. How did Tia’s 911 call help?
Her calm and clear description helped authorities respond and process the crime scene. Officials noted her composure was “extraordinary for a 5-year-old.”
5. Did Tia receive any help afterward?
Yes — a trust fund was created, she was placed with relatives, and local media noted the community support.
6. Is Tia publicly active now?
Not that public records strongly indicate. Some reports say she has chosen a private life.
7. What can other families learn from this event?
- The importance of emergency preparedness for children.
- The significance of support systems after trauma.
- The fact that resilience is possible even after deep loss.
- How legal protections (like restraining orders) can be limited and why vigilance matters.
8. How common is it for children to be composed in crisis?
It’s relatively rare for a child that young to handle crisis as directly as Tia did. Research on childhood trauma emphasizes that children often respond in delayed or unpredictable ways. Tia’s response was extraordinary.
9. What about the long-term impact on Tia?
There isn’t detailed public info on her long-term outcome. The studies of childhood trauma suggest that while risk of mental-health issues may increase, long-term positive adaptation is also very possible — especially with support.
10. How can I help someone who’s been through a trauma like this?
- Listen without judgment.
- Encourage professional help if needed (therapist, counselor).
- Help them create routines.
- Offer consistent support (not just immediate, but over time).
- Be patient: healing is not linear.
