At 6 A.M., an emergency call comes in to 911 – and says, “I think they’re de*d.“
The Tia Hernlen case is one of the most painful and unforgettable stories in America. It involves a little girl, a tragic crime, and a 911 call that touched millions of people.
In this article, I’ll briefly explain who is Tia Hernlen, what really happened that night, where the accusers are, what happened to tia, and many must-know facts about Hernlen’s story.
Let’s explore the traumatic incident!
Table of Contents
Who is Tia Hernlen?
Tia Hernlen was a 5-year-old girl in 2005 when her life changed forever. She lived with her parents in Volusia County, Florida. Her mother was Julie, and her father’s name is David Hernlen.
They were a quiet family with no known problems, but someone from their past came back to break their bond forever.
What Really Happened That Night?
On the night of March 28, 2005, something terrible happened. A man named David Edward Johnson broke into the Hernlen family’s home. He had a gun and shot both of Tia’s parents while they were sleeping.
Tia was in the house when this happened. She woke up and found her parents hurt and not moving. Even though she was just a child, she did something very brave.
The 911 Call
At around 6:00 A.M., Tia Hernlen picked up the phone and called 911. Her call was calm, clear, and heartbreaking. She told the operator:
“I think they’re dead.”
She explained that her parents had fallen and had lots of blood on the floor. She also said her dog was barking, and she didn’t know what to do. The 911 call lasted for several minutes, and the operator stayed on the line until police arrived at the spot.
What Happened to the Shooter?
After the shooting, David Edward Johnson, the man who shot Tia’s parents, went back to his own home and killed himself.
He had been angry at the Hernlens because they had reported him to the police before. He had been under investigation, but sadly, the system didn’t stop him in time.
What Happened to Tia Hernlen?
Tia Hernlen survived that terrible night. She was not physically hurt, but the emotional pain was deep. After the crime, she was taken in by family members. The police and the public praised her for being so brave and calm during the 911 call.
Because she was so young, her identity was kept private after the incident. Her life continued away from the media, and she was given a chance to grow up in peace.
Why Is This Case Important?
The Tia Hernlen case shocked the nation. It raised serious questions about:
- Domestic violence
- Gun control
- Mental health
- Law enforcement delays
People asked how such a tragedy could happen and how the legal system could do better in the future to protect families.
Final Thoughts!
Tia Hernlen‘s story is a sad reminder of how fragile life can be. But it’s also a story of courage. A 5-year-old girl, in the middle of a nightmare, stayed calm and asked for help. Her voice helped police find out what happened and inspired millions.
We remember Tia’s parents and honour the bravery of a little girl who faced such a terrible incident that no child ever should.
