Horrific Incident Leaves Young Girl Orphaned
In a horrific incident that shook the community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 5-year-old Tia Hernlen found herself in the midst of a tragic attack that claimed the lives of her parents, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of March 28, 2005, left the young girl orphaned and the nation in shock.
According to the police investigation, David Edward Johnson, a 33-year-old man, broke into the Hernlen family’s home and opened fire on the sleeping couple. Julie Hernlen, 31, died at the scene, while her husband, Aeneas Hernlen, 29, succumbed to his injuries the following day at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.
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Mistaken Belief Fueled the Attack
The attack was fueled by Johnson’s mistaken belief that the Hernlens had reported him to the authorities for growing marijuana and possessing steroids. In reality, the couple had no involvement in Johnson’s arrest in November on these charges.
Tia’s Remarkable Composure During 911 Call
In a chilling 911 call, Tia Hernlen, who was awakened by the sound of gunshots, calmly described the horrific scene to the operator. “My mommy and daddy … there is blood coming out of my dad’s mouth and he fell off the bed,” the young girl said, displaying remarkable composure for her age.
Authorities’ Regret and Challenges in Protecting Victims
The Hernlens had previously sought help from the authorities, attempting to obtain a restraining order against Johnson in January due to his threats and harassment. However, the judge denied the request, stating that no violence was alleged and it was difficult to prove stalking with the presented allegations.Sheriff Ben Johnson, who was not related to the perpetrator, expressed his admiration for Tia’s resilience, stating,
“To the best of my knowledge, for a 5-year-old, she’s doing well.” He continued, “She was very composed for a 5-year-old. The 911 tape was absolutely amazing. All of the information she was able to give. How she was able to handle herself, very smart little girl.”Circuit Judge Richard Graham, who denied the Hernlens’ request for a restraining order, expressed his regret, stating, “Looking back on it, I would have liked to have done it differently.
” Sheriff Ben Johnson also acknowledged the challenges in protecting victims, saying, “The only way to stop them is to keep them in jail. There’s no way possible the judge could have kept him in jail. Very seldom do you find someone this determined to take this action. Don’t know, in a case like this, how you would stop it.”
Tia Hernlen’s Tragic Loss and the Community’s Response
Tia Hernlen, the sole survivor of the attack, is now in the care of her family members. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the community, with many expressing their condolences and support for the young girl who lost her parents in such a horrific manner.
The Hernlen family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking threats and stalking seriously and the need for stronger measures to protect victims of domestic violence. It is a tragedy that could have been prevented, and it is crucial that lessons are learned from this case to ensure that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss.
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