Introduction
On March 26, 2006, in a quiet Deltona, Florida, Tia Hernlen neighborhood, a brutal double homicide shattered the lives of a young family. Julie and Aeneas Hernlen were murdered in their home while their 6-year-old daughter, Tia Hernlen, slept nearby. Miraculously, Tia survived the attack—unharmed physically but forever scarred by the trauma of that night.
This is the harrowing story of:
- The shocking murders that left Tia an orphan
- How a 6-year-old girl survived a night of terror
- The investigation and trial that followed
- Where Tia Hernlen is now, nearly two decades later
- The lasting impact of this tragic case
By examining this heartbreaking event, we uncover not just a true crime story, but a tale of resilience, justice, and survival.
Chapter 1: The Night That Changed Everything
A Peaceful Home Turned Into a Crime Scene
Julie and Aeneas Tia Hernlen were a young couple living in Deltona, Florida, with their daughter, Tia. Aeneas worked in construction, while Julie was a devoted mother. Their lives seemed ordinary—until jealousy and revenge turned their home into a slaughterhouse.
The Attack: A Brutal Double Murder
Around 3:30 AM, an intruder entered their home. The killer, later identified as Jeremy Skule, shot Julie and Aeneas execution-style while they slept. Tia, just six years old, was asleep in her room—unaware that her parents had just been murdered.
How Tia Survived Unharmed
Miraculously, the killer never entered Tia’s room. She slept through the gunshots, only waking up later to find her parents dead. In a heartbreaking 911 call, Tia whispered:
“My mommy and daddy won’t wake up.”
The dispatcher kept her on the line until police arrived, preventing her from seeing the full horror of the crime scene.
Chapter 2: The Investigation – Uncovering a Murder-for-Hire Plot
A Targeted Killing, Not a Random Act
Police quickly ruled out robbery—nothing was stolen. Instead, evidence pointed to a personal motive.
The Shocking Truth: A Woman’s Revenge
Investigators discovered that Julie’s former coworker, Amber Wright, had orchestrated the murders. Wright had been romantically involved with Aeneas before he married Julie—and she never got over the rejection.
The Hitman: Jeremy Skule
Wright recruited her ex-boyfriend, Jeremy Skule, to carry out the killings. Skule, a convicted felon, agreed—seeing it as a way to impress Wright and eliminate his rival.
The Arrests and Confessions
Within days, police arrested:
- Amber Wright (mastermind)
- Jeremy Skule (shooter)
- Robert Cannon (accomplice who drove Skule to the scene)
All three confessed, revealing the chilling details of their murder-for-hire plot.
Chapter 3: The Trial – Justice for Tia Hernlen
Prosecutors Seek the Death Penalty
Given the brutality of the crime, prosecutors pushed for the death penalty for Skule and Wright.
Emotional Testimony from Tia’s Family
Tia’s grandparents and relatives testified about the devastation caused by the murders. The judge described it as “one of the most cold-blooded killings” he had ever seen.
The Sentences
- Jeremy Skule – Death row (later resentenced to life without parole)
- Amber Wright – Life in prison
- Robert Cannon – 15 years (released in 2021)
Chapter 4: Where Is Tia Hernlen Now?
Raised by Relatives, Away from the Spotlight
After the murders, Tia was raised by her aunt and uncle. Her family shielded her from media attention, allowing her to grow up in privacy.
A Life Beyond the Tragedy
Now in her mid-20s, Tia has stayed out of the public eye. Unlike other high-profile crime survivors, she has never given interviews, choosing instead to live a quiet life.
The Psychological Impact
Experts say children who witness such violence often suffer from:
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Trust issues
While Tia’s current well-being is unknown, her family has worked to give her stability and love.
Chapter 5: The Legacy of the Case
True Crime Coverage
The Hernlen murders have been featured on:
- Forensic Files (“Pure Evil” episode)
- Dateline NBC
- Multiple crime documentaries
Lessons Learned
This case highlights:
✔ The dangers of obsession and revenge
✔ How quickly domestic disputes can turn deadly
✔ The resilience of child survivors
Conclusion
Tia Hernlen’s story is one of unimaginable loss and survival. While her parents’ murders were horrific, her miraculous survival and the justice that followed offer a glimmer of hope. Today, she represents the strength of the human spirit—a child who endured the unthinkable and, against all odds, found a way forward.
1. How did 6-year-old Tia Hernlen survive the night her parents were murdered?
Tia was asleep in her room when the attack occurred and was not physically harmed. The killer, Jeremy Skule, shot her parents in their bedroom but never entered Tia’s room. She woke up later and called 911, whispering, “My mommy and daddy won’t wake up.”
2. Who killed Julie and Aeneas Hernlen, and why?
The murders were a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Amber Wright, Julie’s former coworker, who was jealous of Julie’s marriage to Aeneas. She recruited her ex-boyfriend, Jeremy Skule, to carry out the killings. A third accomplice, Robert Cannon, drove Skule to the scene.
3. What happened to the killers?
- Jeremy Skule (shooter) – Originally sentenced to death, later resentenced to life without parole
- Amber Wright (mastermind) – Life in prison
- Robert Cannon (getaway driver) – Served 15 years, released in 2021
4. Where is Tia Hernlen today?
Now in her mid-20s, Tia has lived a private life away from media attention. She was raised by relatives and has never given public interviews about the tragedy.
5. Has this case been featured in true crime shows?
Yes, the Hernlen murders were covered in:
- Forensic Files (“Pure Evil” episode)
- Dateline NBC
- Various crime documentaries and podcasts
