Incident Overview
Nicolae Miu, 54, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Isaac Schuman and attempted homicide for injuring four others during a confrontation on 's Apple River in July 2022. Miu claims self-defense, asserting he was attacked by the group .
The altercation began when Miu, searching for a friend's lost phone, was accused by the group of taking pictures and looking for little girls, leading to a physical confrontation .
Trial Developments
During the trial, Miu admitted to initially lying about carrying a knife and using it during the scuffle. He testified that his actions were in response to being physically and verbally attacked, leading to a state of panic and fear for his life .
Prosecutors requested the inclusion of lesser charges for the jury to consider, a standard practice in major cases. This move was contested by the defense but ultimately approved by the judge .
Witness Accounts and Evidence
Witnesses and video evidence presented by the prosecution challenge Miu's self-defense claim, depicting him as the aggressor. One witness described Miu's expression as "demonic" during the incident .
The defense highlighted Miu's fear and the physical attacks he endured, including being punched and pushed underwater. Miu's own testimony detailed his fear escalating as the confrontation intensified .