In 2005, the world paused for a moment when a five-year-old girl from Florida made a heartbreaking 911 call. Her name was Tia Hernlen. She had just witnessed the aftermath of a violent act that changed her life forever. As people listened to her calm voice, guiding the police through a house filled with blood and silence, the nation grieved — and admired her courage.
Years have passed since that chilling night, but many still wonder about her. What happened to her after the tragedy? Where is she now? Has she found peace? In this article, we’ll dive into every aspect of her life: from her early days to the current moment — all backed by available public information.
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Who is Tia Hernlen?
Tia Hernlen is a brave, young, resilient woman from Florida who tragically gained national attention in early 2005. At just 5 years old, she made a heartbreaking 911 call after discovering that her parents had been shot in their home. The tragic event occurred in New Smyrna Beach, where her mother, Julie Hernlen, was killed instantly, and her father, Aeneas Hernlen, later died from his injuries. The attacker, David Johnson, wrongly believed the Hernlens had reported him to authorities. Tia’s calm and composed 911 call moved the nation and is still remembered as a powerful example of bravery in the face of tragedy.
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Early Life
Born around the year 2000, Tia was the only child of Julie and Aeneas Hernlen. The family lived in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Her parents were young professionals, loving, and protective. Aeneas was a college professor, while Julie focused on raising Tia in a nurturing environment.
Their home was filled with love and pets — including a black Labrador and three cats. Tia’s life was calm, simple, and safe until one early morning in March 2005.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Tia Skye Hernlen |
| Birth Year | Around 2000 |
| Birthplace | New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA |
| Parents | Aeneas Hernlen (father), Julie Hernlen (mother) |
| Family Environment | Warm and nurturing; lived with both parents |
| Pets | One black Labrador dog and three cats |
| Home Life | Peaceful household filled with books, care, and love |
| Notable Trait (Child) | Bright, observant, and emotionally strong even at a young age |
| Daily Routine | Typical childhood with play, learning, and time with family and animals |
The Night of the Tragedy
On March 28, 2005, Tia awoke to loud noises. She walked into her parents’ bedroom and saw a horrifying sight. Her mother lay motionless. Her father was struggling to breathe. Without panic, Tia called 911 and explained everything with heartbreaking clarity.
The man behind the attack was David Johnson, who believed the Hernlens had reported him for illegal activities. He shot Julie and Aeneas before returning home and taking his own life.
The 911 call lasted several minutes. Tia told the dispatcher, “I think they’re dead. There’s blood.” Her voice was steady, her words clear. She was only five years old, yet showed emotional control that stunned professionals.
Family and Guardianship
After the incident, Tia was placed under the care of her grandparents. They shielded her from the media and ensured she could grow up away from the public eye. The community supported her deeply. A trust fund was created to take care of her needs. Donations poured in from people moved by her story.
Her extended family did everything to give her a normal life. Therapists, social workers, and school counselors played vital roles in her recovery. Thanks to these efforts, Tia was allowed to heal emotionally and physically.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s Name | Aeneas Hernlen |
| Mother’s Name | Julie Hernlen |
| Parents’ Occupations | Aeneas – College Professor; Julie – Homemaker |
| Date of Parents’ Death | March 28, 2005 |
| Cause of Death | Shot by intruder David Johnson |
| Guardian After Tragedy | Maternal or paternal grandparents (names not publicly disclosed) |
| Legal Custody | Granted to grandparents after both parents’ deaths |
| Support System | Extended family, local community, therapists, and legal trust fund managers |
| Public Exposure | Highly protected by family and authorities to ensure privacy and healing |
Education
Tia completed her early education under the watch of her grandparents and a team of professionals. Although there are no public records of her high school or college, it is believed she continued her education privately.
Experts say that with her intelligence and maturity, Tia likely succeeded academically. Whether she pursued college or vocational training is unclear, but her strong support system made it possible.
It’s reasonable to assume her education was funded through the trust created in her name. She was given every tool she needed to rebuild her life after tragedy.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Schooling Start | Began primary education shortly after the 2005 incident |
| Education Environment | Private and closely monitored due to emotional trauma |
| Guardians’ Role | Grandparents ensured a stable and safe educational experience |
| Counseling Support | Received therapy and counseling alongside schooling |
| Type of School | Likely local public or private schools (names not publicly disclosed) |
| Higher Education | No public records available; assumed to have continued studies privately |
| Funding for Education | Covered through trust fund and community donations |
| Educational Focus | Focus on emotional healing, stability, and academic development |
| Academic Performance | Believed to be strong, based on early maturity and support network |
Age
People often ask, “How old is Tia now?” Since she was five in 2005, she would be around 25 years old in 2025. She is now a young adult, most likely building a life of her own.
There are no verified social media accounts or public interviews with her. This is likely due to her family’s firm stance on privacy. Her identity remains protected.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Birth Year | 2000 |
| Age During Incident | 5 years old (in 2005) |
| Current Year | 2025 |
| Current Estimated Age | 25 years old |
| Public Birthdate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Legal Status | Adult (age of majority reached) |
| Media Appearances Since | None (has maintained full privacy) |
Net Worth
The net worth of Tia is difficult to calculate due to her quiet lifestyle. However, shortly after the 2005 tragedy, a trust fund was established in her name. This fund was designed to cover her:
- Living expenses
- Educational needs
- Therapy and health care
- General well-being
Estimates suggest that her net worth may range between $50,000 to $100,000, based on donations and potential financial growth over time. This trust likely gave her stability, even if she chose not to work publicly.
| Source of Funds | Description |
|---|---|
| Trust Fund | Community and employer donations post-tragedy |
| Legal Estate | Any inheritance from her parents |
| Possible Employment Income | Undisclosed due to privacy |
| Other Assistance | Community or educational grants (if applicable) |
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Relationship and Personal Life
As of now, there is no public information about the relationship status of Tia. She has never spoken to the media. Her guardians have kept her out of the spotlight to avoid unnecessary emotional harm.
It is possible she is in a relationship or even married, but these details remain private. Her situation is unique. Surviving such a trauma often leads individuals to seek deeply personal and private lives.
Many believe Tia has chosen emotional healing over public attention — a wise choice considering the trauma she lived through.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Relationship Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unknown |
| Children | No public information available |
| Public Appearances | None since the 2005 incident |
| Social Media Presence | No verified accounts or online activity |
| Privacy Level | Extremely private; protected by guardians and community |
| Personal Interests | Not publicly documented |
| Lifestyle Choice | Believed to live a quiet, low-profile life away from media attention |
| Known Personal Statements | None; has never spoken publicly or to media |
Career and Work
There is no confirmed information about Tia’s career. But based on her story and the compassion shown toward her, people speculate that she may have chosen a career in one of these fields:
- Mental health services
- Social work
- Animal welfare
- Art therapy or writing
Alternatively, she may work in a completely different field under a different name. Survivors of early trauma often seek low-profile roles that give them a sense of control and security.
Whether she works in an office, remotely, or not at all, one thing is certain: she has the support to make whatever choice is best for her.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Occupation | Not publicly disclosed |
| Career Path | Unknown; believed to be private and low-profile |
| Possible Fields | Mental health, social work, education, or animal welfare (based on life events) |
| Public Employment Records | None available |
| Media Involvement | No public interviews or job-related appearances |
| Financial Independence | Likely supported initially by trust fund; current work status unconfirmed |
| Professional Presence | No LinkedIn or professional profiles identified |
| Career Goals (Assumed) | Healing-focused or service-oriented roles possibly tied to personal experiences |
| Work Location | Unknown; not publicly associated with any organization |
Public Appearances and Media
Tia has never made a public appearance since the event. Her story has been featured in:
- CBS News segments
- YouTube documentaries
- True crime podcasts
- Online retrospectives
But Tia herself has never spoken publicly. Her 911 call continues to be used in police dispatcher training. It reminds emergency responders how important calm voices can be — even from children.
She has become a symbol of resilience and innocence. Despite living through unimaginable loss, she remained composed. That single 911 call defined her in the public eye, but she deserves to be remembered for much more.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Public Appearances | None since the 2005 incident |
| Media Interviews | Never participated in any public interviews |
| Social Media Presence | No verified or known accounts |
| 911 Call Broadcast | Widely aired in 2005 by CBS and other major networks |
| Documentary Features | Referenced in true crime shows, podcasts, and YouTube documentaries |
| Media Protection Efforts | Family and authorities actively protected her identity |
| Ongoing Public Interest | High; her name continues to be searched and discussed online |
| Public Statements | None; has maintained full silence and privacy |
| Legacy in Media | Her story is used in training for emergency responders and discussed in articles |
Why People Still Remember Tia
Years later, the story of Tia still moves people. Her 911 call is one of the most emotional recordings ever shared. It shows not just trauma, but maturity, love, and strength.
The world grieved for the child who lost her parents in one night. But they also saw in her the power of hope and survival. Her name is searched online every year by people wanting to know she is okay.
Here’s why her story matters even now:
| Reason | Impact |
|---|---|
| Emotional Resilience | Helped train emergency responders |
| Legal Awareness | Exposed flaws in protective laws |
| Mental Health Inspiration | Inspired discussions on child trauma |
| Community Support Example | Showed power of kindness and unity |
Where Is She Now?
The honest answer is: we don’t know.
And maybe that’s a good thing.
Tia has likely chosen a life of quiet, healing, and peace. She may be living in Florida or another state. She could be working, studying, or raising a family. But her story lives on, teaching generations the value of compassion, safety, and human strength.
Some stories don’t need constant updates. Some names are etched into our hearts forever, even if we never hear from them again. Tia is one such name.
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Final Words
Tia Hernlen is more than a girl who made a 911 call. She is a survivor. A symbol of grace under pressure. A reminder that strength comes in small voices too.
Her childhood was filled with love, followed by unspeakable loss. But she kept going. Her silence in the years after may say more than words ever could. It says: I’ve moved forward.
In a world filled with noise, Tia chose quiet. And in that quiet, we find her story — powerful, unforgettable, and human.