The courtroom in Hudson was packed as Nicolae Miu, 54, faced sentencing for the deadly Apple River stabbing that occurred in July 2022. The incident left 17-year-old Isaac Schuman dead and four adults injured. Miu was found guilty in April of one count of first-degree reckless homicide, four counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and one count of battery. He was given a concurrent sentence of 20 years in prison with 732 days of credit for time served, with six years of probation after release. The prosecution had pushed for a 70-year prison sentence. Miu will be 72 when he gets out of prison.
The Horrific Events of July 30, 2022
The stabbing occurred on July 30, 2022, on the Apple River in St. Croix County. Prosecutors stated that the incident was sparked by an argument between Miu and two different groups of tubers on the river. A key piece of evidence presented during the trial was a cell phone video that captured a majority of the argument and the deadly attack.
St. Croix County District Attorney Karl Anderson stated during Wednesday’s hearing, “While multiple people are telling, pleading with him to leave, he’s smirking and takes out his pocket knife. After he punches a barely 100-pound female in the face, he gets hit back and he gets up and starts stabbing anyone within reach, regardless of their role.”
Miu’s defense argued that it was a 13 against one situation that day, and that Miu ultimately feared for his life. However, after about seven hours of deliberations, the jury decided otherwise.
Judge Michael Waterman told the courtroom that Miu left his victims to die and casually floated away from the scene, but he stressed the jury didn’t think it was intentional. “Mr. Miu wasn’t looking to cause trouble or hurt anyone, but he made a series of very poor decisions,” Waterman said.
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Victim Impact Statements: A Glimpse into Unfathomable Grief
Before the sentencing was issued, a number of victim impact statements were heard in the courtroom, including four family members and two stabbing victims. These statements offered a heart-wrenching glimpse into the profound grief and lasting impact of Miu's actions.
Alina Hernandez: A Mother's Unending Pain
The first to speak was Isaac’s mother, Alina Hernandez. “Two years ago yesterday my life was forever changed… my heart forever shattered… he was a mother’s dream, kind, sensitive, helpful, talented, and harmless,” Hernandez said. She added, “He (Miu) stole Isaac’s life, and he stole my life. Justice to me is getting my child back… I’m thankful the jury got it right and the monster will die in prison. He has no soul… he’s evil.” Isaac Schuman wasn't supposed to be on the river that day, Alina Hernandez said. Instead he was supposed to be golfing. The teenager was about to enter his senior year of high school, and he had dreams of attending college and studying engineering. He had just started his own detailing business and he loved to play the cello and piano, she added.
Scott Schuman: Remembering a Hero
Scott Schuman, Isaac Schuman's father, said he wakes up "every day with a profound sense of loss and sadness." He attends a homicide support group, and despite the effort of his family and friends, he said he struggles with loneliness and finds it hard to connect with others. Scott Schuman spoke about the loss of his son, saying it has been “…overwhelming…with grief and heartache…” He also praised Issac calling him a hero who cared for others by standing up. "Isaac was a hero in my eyes," he said. "He was trying to stop the defendant from hurting anyone else on the day he was killed."
Donnie Hernandez: A Son Remembered with Love
Donnie Hernandez, Alina Herndandez's husband, spoke next. He described the pain he felt after losing Isaac Schuman. “Isaac was a beautiful man who wanted love for everyone,” he said. “I will forever miss his 'What's up dad' and most importantly, telling each other 'I love you.'" Donnie Hernandez also asked for Miu to receive the maximum sentence. "My son died a hero, preserving life," he said.
Alexis Hernandez: The Loss of a Sibling and the Family's Glue
Isaac Schuman's sister Alexis Hernandez gave her testimony after her father. Her brother, she said, was the "glue" that held the family together. "He had brains, and dreams, and looks. "Grief is a different kind of pain," she said. "This is a lonely feeling I would never wish on anyone." She said the trauma of the last two years has impacted every part of her life.
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A.J. Martin and Rhyley Mattison: Physical and Emotional Scars
A.J. Martin was one of the four survivors of the stabbing, who suffered the most serious wounds of those who were injured. "My scars hurt all the time," he said. "I can't stretch the same, I can't rock climb the same, I'll never look the same." He said he felt the internal scars too, and for a while didn't feel safe to go outside the home.
Rhyley Mattison was one of the victims who was seriously wounded by Miu. She also took the stand during Miu's trial and recounted being attacked by Miu. "Every conversation I have brings back to the incident," she said. "I feel loneliness." The thought of being around people, she said, filled her with dread.
Miu's Apology and Subsequent Legal Actions
Before the sentencing was issued, Miu read a written statement apologizing to Isaac’s family, friends, and others impacted by his actions. “Dear parents, family and friends of Issac,” Miu said. “I would like to start by letting you know how deeply sorrow I have been- I am, and I’ll always be, for the real fact that Issac is not with you anymore and that I was directly involved in his very tragic and unimaginable death at such an early age. I never meant for this tragedy to occur. My soul is broken, my heart is very heavy and I will never be the same carrying such a heavy burden inside. I pray to God for forgiveness, compassion and love for everyone affected directly and indirectly by the outcome of this tragic event. I’m hoping that you appreciate how much I’m sorry for the outcome of those events. I’m very sorry.”
Miu’s attorney spoke to reporters following Wednesday’s hearing as well, saying he imagines there will be an intent to seek post-conviction relief filed. His attorney also spoke on Miu’s health after taking a question about the weight that had been lost since he was last seen in court. “There’s nothing I can share other than stress and diet. I mean, this isn’t to be a criticism of the St. Croix County Jail - simply that jail isn’t the place where people flourish. Whether it be their mental or physical health, it isn’t a place for flourishing,” he said.
The Isaac Schuman Foundation: Honoring a Life Cut Short
Since Isaac Schuman's death, his family has launched a foundation in his honor, with a scholarship designed to support young people pursuing their educational goals, entrepreneurial dreams or creative ventures. They are now accepting donations for the scholarship through the Isaac Schuman Foundation. Scott Schuman said that he is really glad the process was over, and now wants to move forward, as does the rest of his family. He also plans to spend the rest of his life honoring Isaac. “I think the foundation that his mother started was a great idea because Isaac was an entrepreneur himself. Just from the turnout at different events early on, there was hundreds of people. He touched lots of lives. He was an amazing kid and had a bright future,” said Schuman.
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