The man who was found guilty of stabbing several people on the Apple River in St. Croix County two years ago has been sentenced.

Nicolae Miu, 54, was given a concurrent sentence of 20 years in prison with 732 days of credit for time served, with six years of probation after release, for a July 30, 2022, stabbing that left 17-year-old Isaac Schuman dead and four adults injured.

The prosecution was pushing for a 70-year prison sentence. Miu will be 72 when he gets out of prison.

After the hearing, Isaac’s father, Scott Schuman, spoke to reporters outside the St. Croix County Courthouse. He said that he is really glad the process was over, and now wants to move forward, as does the rest of his family. He also plans to spend the rest of his life honoring Isaac.

“I think the foundation that his mother started was a great idea because Isaac was an entrepreneur himself. Just from the turnout at different events early on, there was hundreds of people. He touched lots of lives. He was an amazing kid and had a bright future,” said Schuman.

More information on the Isaac Schuman Foundation can be found here.

Schuman also said he didn’t expect Miu to apologize on Wednesday but was glad he did so.

“I’m happy that he did apologize – I still need to process that, but I didn’t expect that, and I was happy he did that,” said Schuman.

Before the sentencing was issued, a number of victim impact statements were heard in the courtroom, including four family members and two stabbing victims.

The first to speak during the victim impact statements was Issac’s mother, Alina Hernandez.

“Two years ago yesterday my life was forever changed…..my heart forever shattered…he was a mother’s dream, kind, sensitive, helpful, talented, and harmless,” Hernandez said. “He (Miu) stole Isaac’s life, and he stole my life. Justice to me is getting my child back…I’m thankful the jury got it right and the monster will die in prison. He has no soul…he’s evil.”

Scott Schuman spoke about the loss of his son, saying it has been “…overwhelming…with grief and heartache…” He also praised Issac calling him a hero who cared for others by standing up.

Issac’s stepfather, Donny Hernandez, also spoke on Wednesday, calling Miu a monster.

“This monster took Isaac’s future away from him,” Hernandez said, while asking the judge to give Miu the maximum sentence, “…so he can rot in the hell he created himself.”

Before the sentencing was issued, Miu read a written statement apologizing to Isaac’s family, friends, and others impacted by 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.”

RELATED: Stillwater community holds vigil for teen who was stabbed, killed on Apple River

As reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS in April, a jury convicted Miu of reckless homicide, recklessly endangering safety and battery.

RELATED: Campers witness the aftermath of Apple River stabbing

Prosecutors said the incident was sparked by an argument between Miu and two different groups of tubers on the river, and a key piece of evidence in the case was a cell phone video, which captured a majority of that argument and the deadly attack.

“While multiple people are telling, pleading with him to leave, he’s smirking and takes out his pocket knife,” St. Croix County District Attorney Karl Anderson said during Wednesday’s hearing. “After he punches a barely 100-pound female in the face, he gets hit back and he gets up and starts stabbing anyone within reach, regardless of their role.”

Miu’s defense argued it was a 13 against one situation that day, and that Miu ultimately feared for his life. However, the jury decided otherwise after about seven hours of deliberations.

Judge Michael Waterman told the courtroom that Miu left his victims to die and casually floated away from the scene — but he stressed the jury didn’t think it was intentional.

“Mr. Miu wasn’t looking to cause trouble or hurt anyone, but he made a series of very poor decisions,” Waterman said.

Miu’s attorney spoke to reporters following Wednesday’s hearing as well, saying he imagines there will be an intent to seek post-conviction relief filed.

His attorney also spoke on Miu’s health after taking a question about the weight that had been lost since he was last seen in court.

“There’s nothing I can share other than stress and diet. I mean, this isn’t to be a criticism of the St. Croix County Jail – simply that jail isn’t the place where people flourish. Whether it be their mental or physical health, it isn’t a place for flourishing,” he said.

Due to court restrictions, victim impact statements could not be broadcast due to a court order. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS did have a reporter inside the courtroom for the statements, which can be found in the video player below.

For complete coverage of the case, CLICK HERE.