Real Lawyer Reacts: Apple River Trial Recap - Fiery Cross of a Victim - Fair or Foul? 

I don't think for a second he told those teens he was looking for little girls. I think a bunch of drunk teens saw a middle-aged man wandering around by himself, and he became their target for entertainment.

As someone else has said, what a difference it would have made if these young men had offered to help him find the lost phone.

We were so afraid. You can tell in the video of us laughing, taunting, screaming and pushing how afraid we were. It was 13 on 1. We only had 13 people. We were afraid. Mob Mentality. All of them feeding off of each other with one guy continuously dumping gas on the fire until reality hit and FAFO took over. Then Tough Guy starts screaming like a little girl.

This was a mob against Mr Miu. They were bullying him. I put myself in his shoes and I would be frightened. I am older than Mr Miu.

It’s strange all these people calling them young kids but they out drinking beer in public lol

I’m just so happy there’s actual video evidence in this case. 🖤

No way memory gets better over time. In fact, anything you frequently recall is MORE distorted because every time we remember something it gets altered a bit.

The kids crossed the line, calling someone a pedophile is inciting the group into a frenzy!

I can't believe how fast my opinion changed from feeling sorry for this kid, to it being obvious he and his buddies came up with a story to tell.

This young man can barely keep himself from acting the same way they all acted that day om the river. That jaw clenching...

Maybe I’m just a gen x’r but the phrase “play stupid games, win stupid prizes” keeps coming to mind

As a High School teacher you become very attuned to “hearing” teenagers lie, they lie constantly, instead of taking responsibility for their actions. This young man is so obviously lying and trying to bend the facts to fit his narrative it makes me mad. Plus, he’s arrogant enough to think that he’s fooling everyone…the exact same attitude that caused all these issues in the first place. I don’t think any of these young men feel sorry about what they said and done. He clearly believes that Mr Miu should’ve left just because they told him to, entitled and arrogant.

I’m not buying that Mr Miu said he was looking for little girls. These young men were taunting, humiliating and badgering Mr Miu. One middle aged man against several young men. They did not display any fear. They were absolutely ruthless with their verbiage.

I'd be interested to know if they'd harassed anyone else that day.

MEMORY gets WORSE over time. There is no way he remembers better now. The more time passes, the more our memory decays. It is highly malleable and changes EVERY time we: - think about the event - remember the event - talk about the event - dream about the event - are reminded of the event - read ANYTHING that has ANYTHING in common with the event - hear ANYTHING that has ANYTHING in common with the event - watch video that has ANYTHING in common with the event Memory changes all the time - no person would believe this young fellow has better recall two years later than immediately after the event. It's a ridiculous thing for him to say.

The thing is -- it's actually exceptionally damaging to the witness that he initially said the man was looking for a phone. It wouldn't be all that damaging if he'd said the man was looking for his watch, or sunglasses, or a million other things, but the fact that his initial statement of what this stranger said he was looking for was, in fact, what the stranger had lost and was looking for, makes everything he says in contradiction completely incredible.

He dissected this young man's testimony to pieces. These defense attorneys are great.

I would have asked :If you all were so afraid, why didn't the dude with the camera stop videoing and CALL 911?

Mui's attorney Corey Chirafisi is a sniper when it comes to cross examination. His cross of Gaige Grosskreutz in the Rittenhouse trial was a masterclass, and he has had some great ones in this trial. Absolutely my favorite attorney to watch in trials recently!

I usually watch Emily D Bakers stuff but found this channel while researching the Apple River Stabbing. . . So glad I did, this is such a solid channel, great job bud truly!

"I so young, I don't know how to do that, I just a widdle baby" - THAT IS what the prosecution COACHED him to say. This is all so gross.

Ugh I hated his pissy little attitude.

They had me fooled at first. I can’t believe it. These young adults are just a disgrace. It’s embarrassing to see them try to justify their actions. It’s gross, they taunted and ganged up on an older man….one man vs a dozen people. They were screaming so loud they wouldn’t have even heard his response. And there’s a reason why when you get robbed by a bank, there’s specific protocol and employees train consistently on that. No talking to anyone else about it because it alters your memories.

My husband has always carried his pocket knife when we went on that river. If you don't cut the strings, you have to carry all the tubes tied together to return them, which can be a couple blocks away. Easier to cut them apart and everyone carries their own.

Young kids … I can guarantee that none of those “young kids” felt like YOUNG KIDS driving to the river that day, loaded on weed and liquid courage. I wonder if they were bullies at school.

It’s beyond disappointing that this (young) man doesn’t seem to have become a better person through this tragedy.

Hope you cover the defense closing argument. I give the attorney an A+. Really locked in my not guilty vote as a potential juror.

The boys practiced the story together to make it sound legit

No way this is 1st degree murder.

"My memory is better 2 years later after I've been able to lie to make my evidence sound worse for the defence"

Background of Miu According to the defense's opening statements, Miu was born in Romania. When he was a teenager - about 15 or 16 - he immigrated to the United States because his father wanted his family to have a better life. They were taken in as political refugees and accepted by a church in Minnesota. Defense attorney Aaron Nelson highlighted Miu's language proficiency; he grew up speaking Romanian but also learned Russian. By the time he moved to the United States, Miu also knew French and Latin. Then he picked up his fifth language: English. Miu went to school in South Dakota and then became a mechanical engineer. Nelson said Miu was "a bit of a handyman" and good with tools. Miu eventually settled down in Prior Lake with his now ex-wife, Sondra, who goes by Sandi. He later told police he was "living a peaceful, quiet life in Minnesota" and "had never been in trouble before." Nelson also mentioned that Miu "isn't in the best health." In 2020, he had a heart attack and a quadruple bypass. "It still makes him feel fragile," Nelson said.

Thanks for covering this case, much appreciated. This happened about 20 minutes away from where I live. I had a hard time decided whether or not he was guilty of anything but at the end of the day, I can see why he was found guilty of reckless homicide. These kids were nasty pieces of work, shame on them for what they did. Miu will likely die in prison given the sentencing guidelines as you pointed out. Sad situation all the way around.

The defense attorneys in this trial have performed better than any trial I’ve witnessed these last couple of years on this channel. Outstanding job, great questions

He said “…GET HIM…”👀

Great Lawyer and cross of witness. Good thing they have these videos.

The fact that they were yelling, repeatedly “do it for the culture!” should tell you most of what you need to know.

The problem is there was a mob and one man

Not Guilty of '1st Degree' ...

I admire the Defense Team! They are a class act and smart! If I was in trouble I would want them to be my attorneys.

These young men never should have lied about being scared. They clearly weren’t scared, they were bullying him. Them they assaulted him in a mob. He should be found not guilty. Great lawyer for the defense.

This witness doesn't seem tramatized or remorseful, he seems cocky , not a great witness for the state

The defence has good lawyering.

I read some things about witnesses and memory: after a while, when you can't remember some details or even entire events, your brain will automatically fill in these "holes" with what you hear people say or by assuming what must have happened based on what you know. At this point, it is impossible for you to discern between what you _REMEMBER_ and what you _THINK_ happened.

This was an amazing breakdown of that Cross Exam!! I love the way you explain things, it was a very informative and entertaining 45 min video!! You're so good at these!! Thank LYK ❤

I am 63 I don't leave home without protection of some sort .

These kids seem really coached to down play how intimidating they come across on the video

So appreciate you breaking down this cross Peter…having watched it during the trial it’s great to understand how the defence lawyer managed this cross so well and how it may impact the jury. Thank you!🙏😊

Don’t investigators give a business card and tell people to call them if something else comes to mind or they learn something new? When I worked at the detective dept they ALWAYS did that.

They remind me of a wild pack of dogs

If the hit was so hard to make a sound how come she DIDN’T fall to the ground (because none of them have testified otherwise)?

I am 62 years old, I have kids and grandkids. But all I can say is it's amazing how young people would rather impress and stick together than stand up and speak the truth, (even when on trial). I am sad about what happened to these kids and their families. It has changed their lives forever. But if I am on that jury, I am saying this was self-defense. That is my verdict, based on following the trial thus far. Maybe my mind will change. I try to see things from all points of view, but so far my opinion is self-defense. Sorry kids, and sorry to the families and everyone else affected by this tragedy. So many bad decisions that day. 😢😔

i just found your page and subbed...i have been seeing posts on the sidebar and thinking some maniac was slashing kids in the river...then finally started to read some comments and see some were saying self defense so i began watching clips here and there...the videos really tell the story of how it went down and all these people not calling it self defense werent watching and listening...i dont usually like to watch people commenting on clips but you did it in a really informative way without interrupting a lot and explaining things...i wasnt going to sift thru 8 hour days of trial lol...thanks for doing in a most helpful and informative way! Judy in CT

His memory was most clear day of. His memory had been tamper with since then. He’ll now project memories of others that told him what they think happened. Teens talk and gossip hours on end. I have a teen, I know 😅

I'm not bothered by inconsistencies such has what hand Miu might have used, etc, but I'm very troubled by how all these kids changed their stories from day of to testimony. Sounds like they got together to get their stories straight

Not guilty self defense period. The kids started it and the second group came in to finish it.

Thank you so much Peter. I so appreciate your time here. I have followed you since the Murdoch trial and your moral compass is on time as always ❤

DEFENSE won that witness

They keep referring to themselves as kids and the others as adults who came to the rescue. Please they are 17-20 not 14!

Thank heaven for video in this case

Thanks so much for doing this after your long and busy day and already one video...

I think anyone would be in fear for their life, it was 13 to 1.

This video really helped me learn about cross examination strategies!! Fascinating to hear the factors noted, sharing your assessment of the effectiveness of this cross exam by defense attorneys. Much appreciation for your astute, interesting, continuing coverage of the Apple River case!! ( I have watched many of your videos after finding one by chance when you first started posting. You are an excellent teacher!)

God, I’m just infatuated with Agent 47(Corey)!!!😊 I have rewatched the Rittenhouse trial more times than I would like to admit. The satisfaction I get every time I watch him snatch the souls from Little Finger(Binger), Lunchbox(Kraus) and Byecep Boy(Gauge) is unmatched and fucking GLORIOUS!!!!!

I am a stabbing victim of both a knife and box cutter. The police failed to write in their report about my stab wound period! I felt like a jack ass on the stand during preliminary. After preliminary , I told the prosecutor the police report is very faulty, and I'd rather use the forensic evidence. I did have forensic pictures taken of the box blade cuts and the stab wound. The prosecutor told me I watch too much csi! I've never watched csi or forensic files. I was lucky the dude who cut me up took a plea.

I think you missed a key point from 37:00 to 37:04 when the defense gets this witness to admit that Miu only used his knife on those that put hands on him. To me this is a big deal since it reinforces self-defense. The "cherry-on-top" is that this kid doesn't even realize what he just gave the defense with his answer. Clearly, no re-direct by the state indicates this kid was a bad witness for them and they chose to cut their losses and get him off the stand.

I’d like to say teens are different today but I remember in middle school and HS some teachers being referred to as “Chester the Molester” and then hearing that term again when my kids were in school.

The defense should have brought up the fact that a full 45 seconds transpired between when Mr Miu supposedly said “I’m looking for girls” and it was mentioned to the rest of the group. The fact that, when he said whatever he said (as it was clearly unintelligible) the teens all looked at each other confused, and said “huh, what, what did he say?” Such a riled up and reaction group surely would have reacted to that immediately and called attention to it. But no response happened, because Mr Miu never said that.

Oh the arrogance in this kid

When it comes to memory it gets tricky. Several years ago my wife and I were on 3 N in MA going from Boston back to NH. It was about 2am and she was driving. I was sleeping because I had been drinking. I woke up to her screaming, heard a crash and saw a car spin in front of us and go into the grass. As she stopped she was terrified. A Mercedes was in the center lane wrecked. I checked the driver in the grass he was messed up bleeding, unconscious and drunk. The driver of the Mercedes had a broken arm and his wife was just hyperventilating. The cops were there quick and my wife was trying to explain what happened. It was completly disjointed and not true. She thought the car was speeding and flew by causing the wreck. What actually happened was the guy was drunk driving the wrong way and hit the Mercedes head on and spun in front of us. The cops were there so fast because the cars he passed and didnt hit had called 911. The cars on the other side had done the same. They were already on the way. Point: She was not lying or drunk. She was in shock at a traumatic event and needed to compose herself to really process what happened. Memory later can be better than the moments during or directly after.

Excellent point you highlight as to the defense attorney knowing when to use restraint, instead of exploiting an obvious contradiction in witness testimony, and the importance how to handle your witness, in relation to the jury's probable perception of that particular witness.

Thank you Peter for covering this, great job!!!

People keep calling them kids like they are 5 year olds they are adult enough that they were getting drunk. Adult freedoms come with adult responsibilities. They just learned that the hard way. It’s called natural consequences. Actions provoke reactions. It’s pretty simple.

Thanks Peter, you are so fair, you give us both sides and i am here lurking for every video you put out cuz i know i will learn something everytime. You are great!

Thank you for staying up late to do this cross for us Peter. Fantastic video and cross!

Thanks for covering this. I was watching it alone. I love the way you explain everything. I have a great day. Love ❤️ and hugs 🫂

I don’t know how he would be able to “hear” a punch on some body part when there’s a crowd and a flowing river

This was such a traumatic event. It happened so quickly everyone’s vantage point was different. There’s not a single witness thats story lines up. It’s the case on both sides. Even detectives!

So sick of people acting big and bad calling people the vilest name on the planet and showing off for the camera then crying victim when the person they attacked responds… It’s literally 10 on 1 because he dared be in a space they wanted…. Play stupid games win stupid prizes…

This is such a great breakdown of the cross examination! I appreciate you breaking this down for non-lawyers like me.

the best moment was the chart that showed the initial point of contact was 62 feet away from where the fight happened, implying they followed Miu

I don’t believe the teenagers were scared.

Thank you, Peter, for your breakdown of this case and others. You give clarity to so many nuances of trials. I have learned that innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt is so important for a clear and reasonable verdict. 😊❤

Thank you for your continued coverage of this trial. I've been watching the live stream every day, but I enjoy your commentary. It helps me see the trial from another perspective. So far the evidence has me thinking he's guilty, but I'm waiting to see his testimony before I make a decision. Yes, these kids were behaving badly, but a prudent person would walk away from rowdy, drunk teenage boys rather than take out a knife and wait for something to provoke him. The fact that his friends walked rather than ran to "help" him says there wasn't an overwhelming threat from people yelling at him. He escalated to physical fighting.

These teens (soon to be adults) fu--ed round and found out. The video disputes so much of their testimony.

Retrograde memory of highly emotional/traumatic events (for myself) is stored in different section of brain as opposed to passive memories. I can REMEMBER traumatic event details much more clearly and peripheral or ancillary contributing factors.

It would be very strange that what he told the police at the time matched Miu's story (about looking for the phone) but now his story is different from Miu's, yet this is somehow the correct story...

subscribed looking for analysis and video of this trial, good channel, thanks!

Worst witness for the prosecution?

With all that noise going on how did he “hear” a punch?

Subscribed when Annie Elise had you on the show and ever since I can't get enough of watching these cases from a lawyer's perspective. Thank you for doing these videos. Yes this Apple River stabbing has really caught my attention please keep up the videos !!

Great channel here. I think everyone in other comment sections that say the kids only used harsh words and Miu was wasn't in any danger, should come here and get educated

The video tells the tale…

I love this defense team!

I believe Miu had a duty to tell the crowd he had a knife and to get back. There was a drunken crowd mentality that assumed Miu was doing something perverse. Miu was a seasoned adult and supposedly not drunk. If he was in fear, he had ample opportunity to retreat. How was Miu in such fear for his life, that walking away wasn’t the best option? Miu punches a woman in the face and then starts wielding his hidden knife. There is something wrong with that. None of the stabbing victims were initially aware that they had been hit with a knife. All the victims had life threatening injuries. Which made me question if Miu was trained in how to use a knife as deadly force. Miu’s use of the knife seemed ego driven. He wanted to show these young whippersnappers he was tough. I don’t believe Miu is innocent.

He is attempting to obfuscate his role in the escalation of the incident. Here is what happened. Man lost phone, man looks for phone, kids attempting to have fun at man's expense, kid's feeding off of one another and attempting to one up each other, increase rhetoric, man attempts to stay patient and continues looking for phone, kids keep antagonizing man, kids get attention of another group with rhetoric, other group not knowing situation attempts to intervene on behalf of kid's rhetoric, man attempts to tell female from other group situation, woman does not want to hear his side, man know has 2 large groups verbally and physically coming into his space, females from 2nd group start pushing man while yelling for him to leave, hell breaks loose!

How come he can “hear” a punch on the girl and “know” that’s what happened, but NOT hear a punch and plead total ignorance to the assault on Mr. Miu? How come no witnesses brought up “looking for little girls” in any detective interview. Answer is these witnesses are lying about things to minimize their culpability.

This witness is not telling the truth.

Love your analysis. Thanks.

I've been subscribed for a while now, but this incident has me intrigued. I've tubed on the Apple River, so that may help me to imagine this scenario. I'm having a hard time with this kid 'not remembering' a lot of what he did/said. I do think, though, that your memory would be stronger with less time between the questions and the incident. I. Hate. Teenage arrogance, and the way they ganged up on this guy is unforgivable to me. BUT. NO ONE in anything I've seen in vids covering this deserved to be killed. So much repetition in the YT channels covering this, so - I've just decided to wait for YOUR coverage. I really like your analyses.

Thanks for covering this case! It’s very interesting to figure out who exactly was at fault, legally. It’s been hard to find neutral coverage that will admit the fault of both parties, so I’m really enjoying these videos.