Apple River Stabbing, Revisiting the 2022 Wisconsin Attack, Court Verdict and Prison Sentence

The incident occurred on the Apple River near Somerset in St. Croix County, a popular destination for people enjoying outdoor recreation during the summer. The violence prompted an emergency response and later resulted in a closely watched criminal trial that examined the events leading to the fatal confrontation.

Despite headlines referring to an “Apple River stabbing today,” the information available for this report concerns the historical 2022 incident. No separate new stabbing at Apple River has been confirmed in the sources reviewed.

What Happened on the Apple River?

On July 30, 2022, Nicolae Miu, then 54, was tubing on the river with his wife and friends when he became involved in a confrontation with another group of rivergoers. According to trial reporting, Miu had been searching the water for a lost cellphone before approaching the group.

The encounter escalated into violence, and Miu stabbed several people. Schuman, a high school student from Stillwater, Minnesota, died from his injuries, while four other people sustained stab wounds.

Emergency responders attended the scene, and investigators subsequently worked to establish how the confrontation unfolded and identify the people responsible. Witness accounts, video evidence and testimony later became important elements of the criminal proceedings.

The incident shocked families and communities connected to the victims and drew widespread attention because it occurred at a recreational location where visitors had gathered for a summer outing.

Trial and Criminal Verdict

The case proceeded to trial in St. Croix County Circuit Court in 2024. Miu maintained that he had acted in self-defense, while prosecutors argued that his actions were not justified by the confrontation.

On April 11, 2024, a jury found Miu guilty of first-degree reckless homicide, four counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of battery. The verdicts were on lesser charges than the intentional homicide and attempted homicide charges originally brought against him.

The jury’s decision marked a major development in a case that had attracted considerable public interest across Wisconsin and neighboring Minnesota.

Prison Sentence and Current Case Status

On July 31, 2024, a judge sentenced Miu to 20 years in prison, followed by six years of extended supervision. The sentences for the different counts were ordered to run concurrently, and he received credit for time already served.

Contrary to claims that he received a life sentence, the reported sentence was 20 years in prison, followed by extended supervision. His case therefore reached its criminal sentencing stage in 2024, although separate legal matters may continue.

Impact on the Community

The Apple River tragedy remains a reminder of how quickly a confrontation can turn deadly in a public recreational setting. The loss of Schuman’s life and the injuries suffered by the other victims had lasting consequences for their families and communities.