Tia Hernlen: The Heartbreaking 911 Call & Her Life Today

How does a five-year-olds desperate plea for help echo through the corridors of time, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of a nation? The story of Tia Hernlen is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit, a narrative born of unimaginable tragedy that has since blossomed into a tale of remarkable resilience and quiet triumph.

In the early hours of March 28, 2005, the tranquility of a home in Volusia County, Florida, was shattered. Inside, a nightmare unfolded, forever altering the life of a young girl named Tia Hernlen. Awakened by the sounds of violence, Tia made a chilling 911 call, a desperate cry for help that would become a haunting testament to her bravery and the unimaginable horror she had witnessed. "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..." she recounted to the operator, her small voice laced with the raw terror of a child thrust into a scene no child should ever have to face.

The events that transpired that fateful morning were nothing short of a tragedy. David Edward Johnson, an acquaintance harboring a delusion that the Hernlen family had reported his illicit activities to the authorities, unlawfully entered their residence. The ensuing violence claimed the lives of Tias parents, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen. Aeneas, 29, died at a Daytona Beach hospital late that Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy of love tragically cut short.

The investigation revealed a grim story of misplaced blame and escalating desperation. Johnson, after committing the heinous act, took his own life, leaving behind a wake of sorrow and unanswered questions. Authorities confirmed the Hernlens had no involvement in Johnson's prior drug arrest, a fact that underscored the senseless nature of the crime.

The aftermath of the tragedy was devastating. Tia, just five years old, was left an orphan, her world irrevocably changed. Her account of that horrific morning, as relayed to the 911 operator, revealed a remarkable composure and a chilling awareness of the situation. The dispatcher, moved by her courage, reassured the young girl, promising help would arrive immediately. The bravery displayed by Tia during this ordeal was remarkable.

In the wake of the tragedy, the community rallied around the young orphan. A trust fund was established to secure her financial future and provide resources for her upbringing and education. Tia moved in with her grandparents, who provided a safe and loving environment, a haven from the storm that had ripped through her young life. The deep sorrow and exceptional resilience that would come to define her story were already evident in those early days. The young girl, who had faced such a terrible event, was determined to find peace again.

The Hernlens had been a family deeply devoted to their daughter. Before the tragedy, Tia experienced a relatively happy and normal childhood, filled with the love and care of her parents. The family had been inseparable, creating a loving environment, which was destroyed by a misguided act of vengeance. The happy home, filled with laughter and love, was forever changed.

The case attracted national attention, as the appalling occurrences astonished the nation and ignited extensive discourse over the effects of violence. The 911 tape of Tia's call is a testament to her bravery. Her composed and detailed description of the situation was remarkable for her age. The community had rallied around the young orphan and the story had touched the hearts of people across the nation.

Over the years, Tia has grown and matured, navigating a path of sorrow and anguish. The horrific trauma had permanently changed her life. The tragedy was the beginning of her path to healing. Tia was forced to adapt to a new life, a life without her parents. But Tias story is far from over. It is a story that continues to evolve and inspire.

In 2018, Tia made a significant life choice and changed her name. She now lives a more private life in Florida, far from the glare of the spotlight that once followed her. Now in her late twenties, she has blossomed into a successful entrepreneur, using her experiences to empower others, and shows the world how to move beyond trauma.

The question many ask today is: What is Tia Hernlen doing now? After the incident, she moved in with her grandparents. Her journey continues to evolve and inspire. Today, she is a success story, a testament to the power of the human spirit to heal and grow. This story highlights the human capacity for resilience and the potential for growth even in the face of profound loss. Tia's life is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to endure and eventually heal, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

The chilling 911 call, the echo of a child's innocence shattered by violence, will forever resonate as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of hope. Tia Hernlen's story is one of survival, resilience, and the quiet triumph of a life rebuilt from the ashes of tragedy, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit, a testament to the enduring power of love and hope.