Julie Hernlen (born 6 June 1973 – died 28 March 2005, Aged: 32 years old) was a young mother, a devoted wife, and a promising student who had a bright future ahead of her. She was passionate about surfing, law, and her family. She was also a victim of a senseless crime that took her life and that of her husband, Aeneas Hernlen, in 2005.
Their daughter, Tia Hernlen, who was only five years old at the time, witnessed the horrific scene and bravely called 911 for help. This article will explore the life, death, and legacy of Julie Hernlen, as well as the aftermath of the tragedy that shook the nation.
Early Life and Education
Julie was born Julie Morgan on June 6, 1973, in the United States. She grew up in a loving family and had a happy childhood. She attended high school in Florida and graduated in 1991. She then enrolled in Daytona Beach Community College, where she pursued an associate degree in paralegal studies.
She had a keen interest in law and aspired to become a lawyer someday. She was a diligent and dedicated student who excelled in her studies. She was also a friendly and outgoing person who made many friends on campus.
Marriage and Family
Julie Hernlen met Aeneas Hernlen, a fellow surfer, in the early 1990s. They fell in love and got married in 1997. They settled in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed the coastal lifestyle and the surfing community. They shared a common passion for the sport and often participated in surfing competitions and events. They also loved to travel and explore new places together. They were a happy and adventurous couple who had a strong bond.
In 1998, Julie and Aeneas Hernlen welcomed their daughter, Tia Hernlen, into the world. Tia was the center of their universe and they showered her with love and attention. They involved her in their activities and always chose movies that she could watch when they went out. They also encouraged her to pursue her interests and talents. Tia was a smart and sweet girl who inherited her parents’ adventurous spirit. She loved to surf, play with her dog Liza, and draw pictures. She was the joy of their lives and they were a close-knit family.
Career
Julie Hernlen was a hardworking and ambitious woman who balanced her roles as a mother, a wife, and a student. She was determined to achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer and was preparing to graduate from Daytona Beach Community College in 2005. She had already applied to several law schools and was waiting for the admission results.
She had a high GPA and a strong academic record. She was also involved in various extracurricular activities and clubs on campus. She was a leader and a role model for many of her peers. She had a bright future ahead of her and was looking forward to the next chapter of her life.
Death and Cause
Julie Hernlen’s life was cut short by a senseless act of violence on March 28, 2005. She and her husband, Aeneas Hernlen, were shot and killed by David Edward Johnson, a former friend, who broke into their home during the early morning hours. Johnson, who was 33 years old, believed that the Hernlens had reported his illegal activities to the authorities, which led to his arrest in November 2004 on charges of growing marijuana and possession of steroids. However, this was a false accusation, as the Hernlens had nothing to do with his arrest. They had only requested an injunction against Johnson in January 2005, after he had threatened and harassed them several times. Johnson, who was out on bail, ignored the court order and decided to take revenge on the Hernlens.
Johnson entered the Hernlens’ home through an unlocked sliding glass door and went straight to their bedroom, where they were sleeping. He fired several shots from a 9mm pistol, hitting both Julie and Aeneas Hernlen multiple times. Julie died instantly, while Aeneas Hernlen was still alive but critically wounded. Johnson then fled the scene and returned to his own home, where he committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.
The sound of the gunshots woke up Tia Hernlen, who was sleeping in another room. She ran to her parents’ bedroom and found them lying on the floor, covered in blood. She quickly grabbed the phone and dialed 911. She calmly told the dispatcher her name, age, address, and what had happened. She also said that she had a dog named Liza and that she was scared. The dispatcher, who was moved by her bravery, reassured her and promised to send help immediately. Tia’s composed and detailed description of the situation was remarkable for her age and helped the authorities to respond faster.
The police and the paramedics arrived at the Hernlens’ home within minutes. They found Julie dead at the scene and Aeneas Hernlen barely alive. They rushed him to the hospital, where he underwent surgery, but he succumbed to his injuries the next day. Tia Hernlen was taken to a safe place, where she was comforted by her grandparents and other relatives. She was the sole survivor of the tragedy and the only witness to the crime.
A 5-year-old girl’s 911 call reveals a tragic scene of domestic violence
On Monday, March 28, 2005, a 5-year-old girl named Tia Hernlen woke up to the sound of gunshots in her home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She ran to her parents’ bedroom and found them lying in a pool of blood. Her father, Aeneas Hernlen, 29, was still alive but barely breathing. Her mother, Julie Hernlen, 31, was dead.
Tia picked up her mother’s cell phone and dialed 911. She spoke to a dispatcher for about 15 minutes, describing the horrific scene and begging for help. She also said that there was a bullet on the floor and that she saw a man wearing a mask running away from the house.
The dispatcher tried to calm the girl down and get her to read the address on the front of the house, but Tia did not know how to read. She said she would ask her mother, but her mother did not answer. She then said she would go outside and look for a neighbor, but the dispatcher told her to stay inside and lock the door.
Meanwhile, the police arrived at the scene and found the couple shot multiple times in the head and chest. Aeneas Hernlen was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Julie Hernlen was pronounced dead at the scene. The police also found a rifle and a mask on the roof of a nearby business, where the gunman had apparently fired from.
The police identified the gunman as David Edward Johnson, 33, a former friend and neighbor of the Hernlens. Johnson had been arrested a few weeks earlier for possession of marijuana and steroids, and he blamed the Hernlens for tipping off the police. He had also tried to get a restraining order against the couple, claiming that they were harassing him, but a judge denied his request.
Johnson had fled to his own home after the shooting and killed himself with a handgun. He left a note saying that he was sorry for what he had done and that he loved his family.
Tia Hernlen was taken to a child protection center, where she was interviewed by a counselor and a detective. She was then placed in the custody of her grandparents, who lived nearby. She was the only witness to the shooting and the only survivor of her family.
The 911 call reveals the girl’s courage and the dispatcher’s professionalism
The 911 call that Tia Hernlen made was recorded and later released to the public. The call revealed the girl’s courage and innocence, as well as the dispatcher’s professionalism and compassion.
The call began with Tia saying, “My mommy and daddy … I think there is a bullet on the floor … and there is blood coming out of my dad’s mouth and he fell off the bed.” The dispatcher asked her what her name was and how old she was. Tia said she was 5 years old and that her name was Tia.
The dispatcher then asked her if she was alone in the house. Tia said yes, and that she had a dog named Scooby. The dispatcher asked her if she could pet the dog and if the dog was friendly. Tia said yes, and that the dog was licking her face.
The dispatcher then asked her if she knew how to unlock the door. Tia said yes, and that she had locked it after she saw the man running away. The dispatcher told her to stay away from the windows and to wait for the police to come. She also told her to talk to her dad and to tell him that she loved him.
Aftermath and Legacy
The news of the Hernlens’ murder-suicide shocked the nation and sparked public outrage. Many people questioned the effectiveness of the legal system in preventing such tragedies and protecting innocent lives. They also expressed their sympathy and support for Tia Hernlen, who had lost both of her parents in a horrific way. The 911 call that Tia Hernlen made was widely circulated in the media and praised for its courage and clarity. Many people called her a hero and a symbol of strength and survival.
Tia Hernlen was adopted by her grandparents, who raised her in Central Florida. They provided her with a stable and loving environment during a time of unimaginable grief and confusion. They also helped her to cope with the trauma and the loss of her parents. They enrolled her in counseling and therapy sessions, where she learned to express her feelings and heal her wounds. They also encouraged her to continue her education and pursue her dreams. Tia Hernlen grew up to be a resilient and remarkable young woman, who never forgot her parents and their love for her.
Julia Hernlen’s memory lives on in the hearts and minds of her family, friends, and loved ones. She is remembered as a loving mother, a devoted wife, and a promising student who had a passion for life and a zest for adventure. She is also remembered as a victim of a senseless crime that took her life and that of her husband, Aeneas Hernlen, in 2005. Their daughter, Tia Hernlen, who was only five years old at the time, witnessed the horrific scene and bravely called 911 for help. She is their legacy and their pride.
Julie Hernlen Wiki/Bio
| Name | Julie Hernlen |
| Birth Name | Julie Morgan |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1973 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Date of Death | March 28, 2005 |
| Place of Death | New Smyrna Beach, Florida |
| Cause of Death | Homicide by gunshot |
| Spouse | Aeneas Hernlen (m. 1997-2005) |
| Children | Tia Hernlen |
| Education | Daytona Beach Community College |
| Occupation | Student |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
