Apple River stabbing victim’s parents: 20-year sentence ‘unjust’

Minnesota man gets 20 years for fatally stabbing teen, wounding others
Parents of the teen who was killed say the judge was too lenient
Family honors son through 'Isaac Schuman Foundation,' awards scholarships

Updated: Aug 1, 2024 / 11:21 PM CDT

(NewsNation) — The parents of Apple River stabbing victim Isaac Schuman say the 20-year sentencing of a Minnesota man for fatally stabbing their 17-year-old son is “nauseating” and “unjust.”

A judge sentenced 54-year-old Nicolae Miu to 20 years in prison for fatally stabbing Schuman and wounding four other people who were tubing on Wisconsin’s Apple River in July 2022.

“It didn’t make sense to any of us. It was almost like there was no justice for any of the other victims,” said Alina Hernandez, Schuman’s mother, during an appearance Thursday night on NewsNation’s “Banfield.” “We thought it was a very unjust sentence. And hundreds have reached out (to say they) can’t believe it either. It’s heartbreaking.”

Donny Hernandez, Schuman’s stepfather, said the sentencing was a “big surprise.” He said St. Croix County Circuit Court Judge Michael Waterman talked about Miu more than he did his stepson’s life. “It felt like he (the judge) was a sponsor, talking about all the wonderful things he’d done,” Hernandez said.

In honor of Schuman’s life, his family created the Isaac Schuman Foundation as a way to carry on Isaac’s legacy through “helping young people who represent his same outstanding values, ethics, interests, and aspirations.” The foundation provides scholarships to motivate young people.

Before the sentencing, Miu read a written statement apologizing for 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.”