On March 28, 2005, a devastating attack shook the quiet town of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The Hernlen family, consisting of parents Julie Morgan-Hernlen and Aeneas Hernlen, and their 5-year-old daughter Tia Skye Hernlen, were brutally murdered in their home by David Edward Johnson, a man who had been stalking them for months. The tragedy highlights the failures of the legal system and the devastating consequences of a determined stalker.
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Background
Julie Morgan-Hernlen, a 31-year-old paralegal student, and her husband Aeneas, a 29-year-old construction worker, were a loving and adventurous couple. They had met while working at a surf shop and shared a passion for water sports. They had a bright-yellow house with lime-green trim and a pink door, which they had purchased in 2002. The couple had a strong bond with their daughter Tia, who was the center of their world. They would often take her to the movies and make sure she could watch the show so they could bring her along.
The Stalking
David Edward Johnson, a 33-year-old man, had been stalking the Hernlens for months. He believed they had reported him to the authorities for growing marijuana and possessing steroids, which was not true. Johnson had a history of drug-related arrests and had been charged with a misdemeanor count of stalking earlier that year. Despite this, he was never arrested and continued to harass the family.
The Attack
On the night of March 28, 2005, Johnson broke into the Hernlen home, shooting Julie and Aeneas in their bedroom. Tia, who was alone in the house, was awakened by the gunshots and discovered her dying parents. She called 911, providing crucial information to the operator about the situation.
The 911 Call
The 911 call, which lasted for about three minutes, was remarkable for its composure and detail. Tia told the operator that she thought her parents were dead and described the scene, including the blood on the plant and floor. The operator reassured her and promised to send help.
The Aftermath
Julie Morgan-Hernlen died on March 28, 2005, and Aeneas Hernlen died the following day. David Edward Johnson committed suicide later that day. The family was devastated, and Tia was left to cope with the loss of her parents.
Legal System Failures
The legal system failed the Hernlen family in several ways. Despite Julie’s efforts to seek help from authorities, the judge denied her request for a restraining order, citing a lack of violence and difficulty in proving stalking. The sheriff’s department also failed to take adequate action, warning Johnson to keep his distance but not arresting him.
Impact on Tia
Tia Hernlen, who was just 5 years old at the time, was left to deal with the trauma of losing her parents. She was taken in by family members and has since received counseling. The long-term effects of the tragedy on Tia are still unknown, but her bravery and composure during the 911 call have been widely praised.
Conclusion
The New Smyrna Beach attack on the Hernlen family highlights the devastating consequences of a determined stalker and the failures of the legal system. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of taking threats seriously and providing adequate protection to victims of stalking. Tia Hernlen’s bravery and resilience in the face of tragedy are an inspiration to all, and her story will continue to serve as a reminder of the need for stronger measures to protect families from harm.
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FAQs
- Who were the victims?
- Julie Morgan-Hernlen, 31, and Aeneas Hernlen, 29, were the parents of 5-year-old Tia Skye Hernlen. They were murdered in their home by David Edward Johnson.
- Who was the perpetrator?
- David Edward Johnson, 33, was the man who broke into the Hernlen home and shot the parents. He committed suicide later that day.
- What was the motive?
- Johnson believed the Hernlens had reported him to the authorities for growing marijuana and possessing steroids, which was not true.
- What was the outcome?
- Julie Morgan-Hernlen died on March 28, 2005, and Aeneas Hernlen died the following day. David Edward Johnson committed suicide later that day. Tia Hernlen was left to cope with the loss of her parents.
- What was the significance of the 911 call?
- The 911 call, made by Tia, was remarkable for its composure and detail. It provided crucial information to the operator and helped emergency responders to quickly respond to the situation.
- What were the legal system failures?
- The legal system failed the Hernlen family by denying Julie’s request for a restraining order and not arresting David Edward Johnson despite his history of drug-related arrests and stalking.
- How did Tia cope with the tragedy?
- Tia was taken in by family members and received counseling. Her bravery and resilience in the face of tragedy have been widely praised.
