By Hove Team 
Key Points:
- Tia Hernlen gained national attention at age 5 for her calm 911 call after discovering her parents shot in their Florida home, a tragic event driven by a neighbor’s paranoia.
- Research suggests she has lived a private life since then, raised by family with support from counseling and a trust fund, focusing on healing away from public eyes.
- Evidence leans toward her maintaining anonymity as an adult, with no confirmed public career or social presence, highlighting resilience amid profound loss.
- The story remains sensitive, emphasizing themes of child bravery and the long-term effects of trauma, though details on her current life are limited to respect her privacy.
Tia Hernlen’s story captures a mix of heartbreak and courage that touched many hearts across the nation. At just five years old, she found herself in a nightmare when a intruder shot her parents in their home. Her quick thinking to call 911, staying composed on the line with the dispatcher, saved her life and showcased a level of bravery rare for someone so young. This event in 2005 thrust her into the spotlight briefly, but since then, she has chosen a path of privacy. Readers care about her journey because it reminds us of human strength in the face of unimaginable loss, and how one child’s actions can inspire discussions on safety, mental health, and recovery.
Her tale is not just about that one night: it is a reminder of how trauma shapes lives, yet people can rebuild with support. In a world full of quick news cycles, Tia’s decision to step away from attention speaks volumes about personal healing.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tia Skye Hernlen |
| Also Known As / Nicknames | N/A (known publicly as Tia Hernlen from the 2005 incident) |
| Date of Birth / Age | Born in 2000 (approximately 26 years old as of 2026) |
| Birthplace / Hometown | New Smyrna Beach, Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Primary Occupation | N/A (no public career information available due to privacy) |
| Other Roles | N/A |
| Genres / Fields | N/A (notable for real-life story of survival and bravery) |
| Active Years | N/A |
| Breakthrough Year | 2005 (year of the incident and 911 call) |
| Notable Works | N/A (recognized for her 911 call, which has been featured in documentaries and training materials) |
| Awards & Honors | N/A (praised for bravery but no formal awards noted) |
| Relationship Status | Unknown (privacy maintained) |
| Children | Unknown |
| Education & Training | Completed education privately (details unavailable) |
| Official Social Media Handles | None known (no public accounts) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Unknown (a trust fund was established in 2005 for her support, but no current estimates available) |
These details come from credible sources like news archives and family-protected updates; approximations are noted where exact data is limited due to her private life.
Tia Hernlen’s life story unfolds like a poignant chapter from a true-crime narrative, blending innocence lost with quiet triumph over adversity. Born in the sunny coastal town of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in 2000, she entered the world into a loving family. Her parents, Julie Hernlen and Aeneas Hernlen, created a nurturing home where simple joys, like playing with their dog Lizza, filled their days. Julie, at 31, pursued studies in journalism, dreaming of storytelling careers, while Aeneas, 29, worked in automotive repair and furthered his education. They focused on building a stable future, far from any hint of danger. Little did anyone know that a neighbor’s unfounded grudge would shatter this peace.
This biography explores Tia Hernlen’s early years, the devastating event that defined her public image, her path to recovery, and the privacy she has embraced as an adult. It draws from verified news reports, such as those from ABC News and Tampa Bay Times, to paint a respectful picture. While her story sparked national conversations on child resilience and legal protections, it also underscores the importance of allowing survivors space to heal. Today, at around 26 years old, Tia represents hope amid tragedy, though details remain scarce out of respect for her choices.
Before the world knew her name, Tia enjoyed a typical childhood in a close-knit family. Growing up in New Smyrna Beach, a community known for its beaches and laid-back vibe, she attended preschool and spent time with her parents, who prioritized family bonds. Friends described Julie and Aeneas as kind and peaceful, with no involvement in conflicts. The family’s socio-economic context was modest: Aeneas’s job in repairs and Julie’s studies suggested a working-class life aimed at upward mobility. Cultural influences were everyday American, with no notable ethnic or religious details publicly shared.
Key moments in her early years likely revolved around simple routines, like family outings or playing with Lizza, their loyal dog. These elements shaped a sense of security that would be tested tragically. No early ambitions or influences are documented, as her story only entered public record due to the incident.
On March 28, 2005, everything changed. In the early morning hours, David Edward Johnson, a 33-year-old acquaintance plagued by drug issues and paranoia, broke into the Hernlen home. He wrongly believed Julie and Aeneas had reported him for marijuana and steroid possession, though they had no role in his November 2004 arrest. Earlier, in January 2005, the couple sought a protective injunction against him due to erratic behavior and threats, but the court denied it, citing insufficient evidence of immediate danger.
Armed with a handgun, Johnson entered the master bedroom and shot both parents at close range. Julie died instantly from her wounds, while Aeneas, critically injured, fell to the floor. Tia, asleep in another room, awoke to the gunshot and her father’s fall. She entered the bedroom, saw blood on the plant and floor, and realized her parents were unresponsive. In a moment of astonishing poise, she dialed 911.
The call, handled by dispatcher Donna Choufani, lasted several minutes. Tia calmly explained, “I think I heard a gunshot,” and described the scene: “There is blood coming out of my dad’s mouth and he fell off the bed.” She mentioned her dog Lizza for comfort and stayed on the line until help arrived. Choufani later expressed being “heartbroken and amazed” at Tia’s composure. Authorities found Julie deceased and Aeneas rushed to Halifax Medical Center, where he died the next day. Johnson fled and later took his own life, leaving a note.
This event not only orphaned Tia but also highlighted flaws in protective order systems, sparking discussions in law enforcement training and mental health awareness.
In the immediate aftermath, Tia was unharmed physically but faced profound emotional trauma. She moved in with her grandparents in Central Florida, who provided a stable, loving environment away from the spotlight. Counseling helped her process the loss, and community support poured in. A trust fund was established by friends and neighbors to cover her education, mental health needs, and future stability. Organizations like 911 Cares sponsored a Disney World trip to aid her healing.
Her formative years focused on normalcy: completing education privately and rebuilding routines. Psychologists recommended shielding her from media, allowing her to form an identity beyond the tragedy. This approach proved wise, as she grew into adulthood without public intrusions.
Tia’s journey involved overcoming deep setbacks, like the sudden loss of both parents, which could lead to long-term effects such as anxiety or trust issues. Yet, sources describe her as resilient, healing through family support and therapy. A turning point was the family’s decision for privacy, which prevented re-traumatization from interviews or fame.
Handled neutrally, the incident itself was her biggest challenge, but it also defined her public image as a symbol of child bravery. No controversies surround her personally; instead, the story critiques systemic issues, like denied restraining orders. Life lessons from this include the power of calm in crises and the need for better protections against stalking.
Details on Tia’s personal life remain private, with no known relationships, children, or hobbies publicly shared. She has no verified social media, emphasizing her choice to live ordinarily. Her influence extends beyond her story: it informs emergency training for children and highlights trauma recovery. While she supports no public causes, her experience indirectly advocates for mental health resources and victim privacy.
No official net worth is available for Tia, as she leads a private life without public ventures. The 2005 trust fund, funded by donations, provided for her needs, including education and counseling. Income streams are unknown, but estimates suggest it focused on long-term stability rather than wealth accumulation. Sources like family-protected funds highlight community generosity over personal business.
Did you know? Tia’s 911 call has been used in dispatcher training to show how to handle child callers with compassion. Another fact: Her dog Lizza was with her during the call, offering silent comfort in chaos.
A poignant quote from the call: “I said ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy,’ and they didn’t even answer.” Dispatcher Donna Choufani noted, “I felt heartbroken and amazed.” Lesser-known: The incident led to reviews of Florida’s injunction processes, potentially saving others.
What happened to Tia Hernlen’s parents?
Julie and Aeneas Hernlen were shot by David Edward Johnson on March 28, 2005, due to his mistaken belief they reported him for drugs. Julie died immediately, Aeneas the next day.
How did Tia Hernlen become famous?
At age 5, she called 911 after finding her parents, displaying remarkable calm that captured national media attention.
Where is Tia Hernlen now?
She lives privately, likely in Florida, with no public updates; her family prioritized anonymity for healing.
Did Tia Hernlen receive support after the incident?
Yes, through a trust fund, counseling, and community aid like a Disney trip.
What impact did Tia’s story have?
It raised awareness on child trauma, emergency responses, and legal protections against threats.
Is Tia Hernlen on social media?
No verified accounts exist; she maintains privacy.
How old is Tia Hernlen today?
Born in 2000, she is approximately 26 in 2026.
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