Formal Report: Fatal Apple River Stabbing – St. Croix County, WI
On July 30, 2022, a tragic and violent incident occurred on the Apple River in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, resulting in the death of a 17‑year‑old and serious injuries to four others. (CBS News) The suspect, identified as Nicolae Miu, aged 52 and from Prior Lake, Minnesota, was arrested following the confrontation. (WPR)
Sequence of Events & Law Enforcement Response
Deputies from the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple 911 calls around 3:45 p.m., reporting that several people had been stabbed along the river near Sunrise Bridge in the Town of Somerset. (CBS News) When first responders arrived, they found five people with stab wounds, concentrated in their chests and torsos. (WPR)
Emergency teams, including bystanders, immediately administered aid. (WPR) Two of the wounded were airlifted to Regions Hospital, while others were transported by ambulance. (FOX6 News Milwaukee) Tragically, the 17-year-old victim later died at Lakeview Hospital. (FOX6 News Milwaukee)
Investigation & Arrest
After the incident, the suspect temporarily fled the scene. (CBS News) However, a witness captured his photo, which helped deputies locate and arrest him approximately 90 minutes downstream from the crime scene. (wisn.com) According to authorities, he was not found carrying a knife at the time of the arrest. (Crime Online)
St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson publicly described the scene as “chaotic” and said the crime would leave a lasting memory for all who witnessed it. (FOX6 News Milwaukee)
Legal Proceedings & Verdict
Nicolae Miu faced multiple charges, including first‑degree intentional homicide and several counts of aggravated assault. (WPR) In April 2024, following a jury trial, he was convicted of first‑degree reckless homicide for the teenager’s death, plus four counts of reckless endangerment and a count of battery. (AP News)
During the trial, witnesses described viewing a video that captured parts of the confrontation. (CBS News) One witness, Janell Duxbury, testified she saw Miu draw a knife and stab a friend on his side. (CBS News) Another responding officer, Sergeant Chase Durand, described arriving on the scene and coordinating rescue efforts in the water. (CBS News)
In August 2024, Miu was sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by six years of extended supervision. (wislawjournal.com) Prosecutors had sought up to 70 years, citing the severity of the crime. (wislawjournal.com)
Community Impact & Reflection
This fatal stabbing shook the river‑tubing community. The Apple River, typically a site of leisure and recreation, became the location of a tragic turning point. (Crime Online) The case also sparked broad discussions around conflict escalation, bystander intervention, and water‑safety vigilance.
Victims and their families continue to be remembered, and public grief has been amplified by court proceedings that gave clarity to a deeply painful event. (DrydenWire.com) In delivering the sentence, the court underscored that reckless violence has consequences and that actions made in fear must still be accountable.
Conclusion
The Apple River stabbing in Somerset, Wisconsin, stands as a sobering reminder of how recreational settings can become sites of tragedy. Thanks to dedicated law enforcement, eyewitnesses, and the justice system, accountability was achieved. The verdict and sentence of Nicolae Miu offer some measure of closure, though the emotional scars remain for all involved.
As the community continues to heal, this incident highlights the importance of de-escalation, communication, and the fragile line between fear and aggression.