Nicolae Miu Found Guilty of Lesser Charges in Apple River Stabbing Case
ICARO Media Group
In a trial that lasted several days, jurors have reached a verdict in the case of Nicolae Miu, who was charged in connection with a deadly stabbing that occurred on the Apple River in 2022. The 54-year-old Miu faced a range of charges, including first-degree homicide, attempted first-degree homicide, and battery charges.
However, after deliberating for approximately seven hours, the jurors unanimously found Miu guilty on lesser charges. The charges he was convicted of include first-degree reckless homicide, four counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and battery. These charges carry substantial penalties that could potentially bring significant changes to Miu's life.
Nicolae Miu's defense attorney, Aaron Nelson, expressed surprise and disappointment with the verdict, emphasizing that the charges still carry severe penalties. Despite their disappointment, Nelson acknowledged the difficult task faced by the jurors and Miu's clear disappointment with the outcome.
District Attorney Karl Anderson, on the other hand, expressed relief at the jury's decision, particularly for the victims and their families, describing the case as "tragic on many levels." Anderson added that he was hopeful for a conviction, although the unpredictability of juries always adds an element of uncertainty.
The announcement of the verdict brought a mix of emotions outside the courtroom, with Isaac Schuman's friends and family sharing hugs and shedding tears. Donny Hernandez, a spokesperson for the victims' families, expressed gratitude to all those who supported them throughout the 21-month wait for justice. He emotionally stated, "It's been 21 months we've been waiting for justice for Isaac Michael Schuman, and we got it today."
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Miu, from Prior Lake, pulled out a knife and attacked a group of people tubing on the river after a confrontation. Miu's defense maintained that he was only searching for his cellphone and was forced to defend himself when the group attacked him. The jury deliberated on these conflicting accounts before reaching their verdict.
Nicolae Miu's sentencing date will be decided at a later time, and the severity of his charges could lead to a potential prison sentence of up to 40 years for the top count, along with additional years for using a dangerous weapon. However, Anderson clarified that the final sentence will be at the judge's discretion, as Wisconsin law does not have specific sentencing guidelines.
The trial began on April 1 and concluded on Wednesday, April 10, when the jury was presented with the case for deliberation. This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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