On March 28, 2005, a five-year-old girl named Tia Hernlen discovered her parents, Julie and Aeneas, in their Daytona Beach home—her mother was dead, and her father was gravely injured. This horrifying scene led to a shocking investigation into the tragic event. Tia’s brave 911 call helped authorities uncover the chilling truth behind the crime. The case remains one of the most haunting and heartbreaking tragedies in the area.
| Aspect | Details | Figure |
|---|
| Victims | Julie Hernlen (deceased), Aeneas Hernlen (survived with severe injuries) | 2 (1 deceased, 1 survived) |
| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida | Daytona Beach, FL |
| Date of Incident | March 28, 2005 | March 28, 2005 |
| Age of Tia Hernlen | 5 years old | 5 years old |
| Key Witness | Tia Hernlen, who discovered her parents and called 911 | 1 witness |
| Julie Hernlen’s Background | Student at Daytona Beach Community College, graduating with honors in May 2005 | Graduating in May 2005 |
| Aeneas Hernlen’s Background | Lifeguard, recently started a new job at the time of the incident | New job in 2005 |
| Home Description | Yellow house with lime-green trim and a pink door | Yellow house with lime-green trim and pink door |
| Outcome of the Case | Aeneas Hernlen survived but was severely injured | 1 survivor (Aeneas) |
Contents
The Tragic Case of Tia Hernlen: A 5-Year-Old’s Horrifying Discovery
On the morning of March 28, 2005, a tragedy unfolded that would leave a lasting impact on the community of Daytona Beach, Florida. A five-year-old girl named Tia Hernlen made a discovery that no child should ever have to face: her parents, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen, lying in their bedroom. Julie was dead, and Aeneas was severely injured.
The scene was gruesome, and Tia’s bravery in calling 911 and explaining what had happened is both heartbreaking and heroic. Tia’s call to the 911 dispatcher, Donna Choufani, would help investigators understand what led to this terrifying event. As police arrived at the scene, they were faced with a situation that raised more questions than answers. Was this a random act of violence, or was there a deeper, darker motive?
Family Background: The Hernlens
Julie Morgan and Aeneas Hernlen met in Daytona Beach, where they both shared a passion for surfing. Their relationship grew quickly, and the two moved to the Virgin Islands where they married. Eventually, the couple returned to Florida and bought a home—a bright yellow house with lime-green trim and a pink door. It was in this house that they welcomed their daughter, Tia, in 2000. Their small family created a loving, secure environment, full of joy and shared moments.
The Hernlens’ Life Before the Tragedy
By 2005, Tia was five years old. Julie was set to graduate with honors from Daytona Beach Community College, while Aeneas had just started a new job. Their life seemed full of promise and possibilities. Julie, a devoted mother, continued to prioritize her family even while focusing on her studies. She was known for her outgoing personality and love of life. The Hernlens appeared to have the perfect life—until that fateful morning when everything changed.
Table: Key Facts About the Hernlen Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victims | Julie Hernlen (deceased), Aeneas Hernlen (survived) |
| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Date of Incident | March 28, 2005 |
| Age of Tia Hernlen | 5 years old |
| Key Witness | Tia Hernlen, who discovered her parents and called 911 |
| Julie Hernlen’s Background | Student at Daytona Beach Community College, soon to graduate with honors |
| Aeneas Hernlen’s Background | Lifeguard, new job at the time of the incident |
| Home Description | Yellow house with lime-green trim and a pink door |
| Outcome of the Case | Aeneas Hernlen survived but was severely injured |
Tia’s 911 Call: A Brave Little Girl in a Crisis
When Tia called 911 that day, she spoke with dispatcher Donna Choufani. The dispatcher calmly guided Tia to safety, trying to keep her composed while sending help. The conversation, as brief as it was, painted a picture of horror: Tia had found her mother’s body and her father barely clinging to life. Donna’s ability to keep Tia calm likely played a key role in ensuring that help arrived in time to save Aeneas.
What Happened to the Hernlens?
As police arrived at the scene, they were met with a chilling and puzzling situation. Julie was confirmed dead, and Aeneas was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. The authorities were left to piece together what had happened. Was this a robbery gone wrong, or something more personal? Investigators would soon discover that the truth behind this crime was far darker than anyone had imagined.
The Aftermath: Tia’s Life After the Tragedy
Following the horrific event, Tia’s life was irrevocably changed. She had lost both of her parents in such a brutal way. Tia’s future would never be the same, and the community rallied around her to provide the support and care she needed. The Hernlen case remains a tragic reminder of how quickly a life can be turned upside down by senseless violence.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Tia Hernlen is a heart-wrenching reminder of how quickly a life can be turned upside down. At just five years old, Tia found herself in a nightmare scenario, discovering the brutal scene of her parents’ violent attack. Her bravery in calling 911 played a crucial role in the investigation and in saving her father, Aeneas. While the details of the case remain haunting, Tia’s strength and the community’s support helped her through an unimaginable tragedy. This case continues to be a somber chapter in Daytona Beach’s history, leaving a lasting impact on those who followed the story.
FAQs
1. Who was Tia Hernlen?
Tia Hernlen was a five-year-old girl who discovered her parents’ bodies in their Daytona Beach home in 2005. Her mother, Julie, was dead, and her father, Aeneas, was severely injured.
2. What happened to Tia Hernlen’s parents?
Tia’s mother, Julie Hernlen, was found dead, and her father, Aeneas, was severely injured. He survived the attack but was critically hurt.
3. How did Tia Hernlen help in the investigation?
Tia Hernlen called 911 after discovering her parents. Her calm and brave actions during the call helped authorities respond quickly to the scene.
4. Where did the Hernlen family live?
The Hernlen family lived in a bright yellow house with lime-green trim and a pink door in Daytona Beach, Florida.
5. What was the outcome of the case?
The case remains a tragedy, with Aeneas Hernlen surviving the attack. Investigators pieced together the events, but the motive behind the violence is still debated.