In a tragic incident during a river tubing excursion in Wisconsin in July 2022, Nicolae Miu, 54, was found guilty on lesser charges after stabbing five people, resulting in the death of 17-year-old Isaac Shulman near the Apple River. Miu was convicted of first-degree reckless homicide, four counts of recklessly endangering safety, and one count of battery. Originally facing more serious charges of first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree intentional attempted homicide, Miu’s defense centered around claiming self-defense after an “unanticipated random encounter” with the victims.
The attack, which also left A.J. Martin, Dante Carlson, Tony Carlson, Rhyley Mattison wounded, and Madison Coen punched in the face, was described by Miu as a response to the victims allegedly stealing his property and attacking him. St. Croix County District Attorney Karl Anderson expressed relief at the verdict, while Miu’s defense attorney, Aaron Nelson, expressed surprise and respectful disappointment. Miu’s bond was revoked following the guilty verdict, with no sentencing date set at the time of the decision.
Authorities revealed that Miu, tubing with his wife and friends, became separated from them as he searched for a lost cell phone on the river. The original criminal complaint indicated that a confrontation broke out between Miu and two females, leading to a physical altercation. Miu claimed he was unable to remember the events after being hit and falling into the water until he returned to his wife. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions in confrontations.
