Apple River stabbing trial: Suspect's wife testifies

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
3 Apr 202462:51

Summary

TLDRIn this transcript, Sandra, a witness, recounts an incident involving her husband Nikolai during a tubing trip. She describes the events leading up to when she noticed Nikolai in trouble in the water and how she responded by sending help. The conversation also delves into Nikolai's character, his health after a bypass surgery, and his activities on the day of the incident. Sandra provides details about the group dynamics, the use of a pocket knife, and the clothing worn by Nikolai, including his camouflage attire and lack of a hat while searching for a lost phone.

Takeaways

  • 📍 The witness, Sandra, is being questioned about an incident involving Nikolai, who she knows well.
  • 👥 Sandra and Nikolai were tubing with a group of people, including Ariel, Ernesto, and others.
  • 🗓️ The incident occurred on July 30, 2022, during a tubing trip.
  • 🔍 Sandra noticed Nikolai in trouble when he was on his hands and knees in the water and someone was hitting him.
  • 🆘 Sandra sent Ariel and Ernesto to assist Nikolai after observing the situation.
  • 🚨 There was a commotion and police arrived at the scene, where CPR was being administered to an individual.
  • 💡 Nikolai had a surgery in 2020 and it affected his physical abilities, but he still remained active.
  • 🍺 Alcohol was present during the tubing trip, but Sandra did not perceive Nikolai or anyone in their group as intoxicated.
  • 🔪 Nikolai was seen with a pocket knife, which was used to cut strings on the tubes and was a common tool he carried.
  • 🕶️ Nikolai was wearing sunglasses and a hat, and was seen without his shirt at one point during the day.
  • 📸 Sandra was not aware of Nikolai using snorkel and goggles before the incident, and it was unusual for him to bring them.

Q & A

  • Where did Sandra and Nikolai meet?

    -Sandra and Nikolai met at work.

  • What was the date of the tubing incident involving Sandra and Nikolai?

    -The tubing incident occurred on July 30, 2022.

  • What city and state does Sandra live in?

    -Sandra lives in Lakeville, Minnesota.

  • Who were the people Sandra was tubing with?

    -Sandra was tubing with a group of people that included Ariel, Ernesto, Amy, and Rosie among others.

  • Why did Nikolai have a knife with him during tubing?

    -Nikolai had a knife to cut the strings on the tubes.

  • What happened to Ariel's phone during the tubing?

    -Ariel's phone got knocked into the water at some point during the tubing.

  • What did Sandra notice about Nikolai that made her concerned for his safety?

    -Sandra noticed Nikolai on his hands and knees in the water and someone was hitting him, which raised her concern for his safety.

  • How did Sandra know Ernesto and Rosie?

    -Sandra knew Ernesto and Rosie because they worked together, and Rosie had been to their house when they would visit Ernesto.

  • What was the atmosphere like in Sandra's group while tubing down the river?

    -The atmosphere in Sandra's group was relaxed, with people listening to music and socializing until the phone got lost.

  • What was Nikolai's reaction to the incident according to Sandra?

    -Nikolai expressed frustration with Sandra and her group for not coming in response to his yells for help. However, Sandra stated she couldn't hear any yells for help over the water.

  • What did Sandra and her group do after noticing the commotion and seeing Nikolai in a compromised position?

    -Sandra asked two people from her group, Ariel and Ernesto, to go over to where Nikolai was to assist him.

Outlines

00:00

Witness Testimony Introduction 📝

The paragraph introduces the setting of a legal proceeding where a witness, Sandra, is being questioned. She confirms her identity and mentions her acquaintance with Nikolai Mew. The questioning revolves around their meeting, the location, and the events leading up to a specific date, July 30, 2022. Sandra also identifies people in a group and explains her relationships with them, providing context for the upcoming testimony.

05:02

Tubing Incident and Initial Actions 💦

This section details the events during a tubing trip where Sandra and Nikolai were present. It covers the initial moments of the incident, including Nikolai's actions, such as using a knife to cut strings and his interactions with a group of young men. Sandra describes the moments leading up to when items were lost in the water and the group's reactions, highlighting her lack of awareness about certain events due to her focus on relaxing during the trip.

10:03

Witness Account of the Confrontation 👀

Sandra provides a detailed account of observing a physical altercation involving Nikolai. She describes seeing him on his hands and knees in the water and being struck. She explains her actions and observations during the incident, including alerting others in her group and her inability to fully monitor Nikolai's movements. The paragraph also covers her interactions with law enforcement and her attempts to recall specific details of the event.

15:12

Clarifications and Group Dynamics 👥

In this section, Sandra clarifies her previous statements regarding the events of the day, particularly concerning Nikolai's return to the group and the actions taken by others in response to the incident. She discusses the group's dynamics, their proximity to the scene, and the decisions made during the unfolding situation. Sandra also addresses her own actions and reactions, emphasizing her concern for Nikolai's safety.

20:13

Relationship and Character Testimony 💞

Sandra talks about her relationship with Nikolai, their shared history, and his character traits. She provides insights into his profession, their shared experiences, and his personality. The focus here is on establishing Nikolai's character as peaceful and on detailing the couple's life together, including their work history and recreational activities.

25:15

Character and Behavior Analysis 🧐

The questioning shifts to examining Nikolai's character and behavior through Sandra's perspective. It covers his problem-solving skills, his use of tools, and his interactions with friends and family. Sandra also discusses Nikolai's health, including a significant surgery he underwent and its impact on his physical abilities and confidence.

30:16

Observations and Concerns on the Day of the Incident 🌞

Sandra recounts the specifics of the day leading up to the incident, including the attire worn by Nikolai, his actions, and the general atmosphere of the group. She addresses concerns about his alcohol consumption and his physical capabilities on that day, as well as any unusual behaviors she might have noticed.

35:17

Testimony on the Use of Pocket Knife and Outdoor Attire 🔪

This section focuses on Nikolai's use of a pocket knife and his choice of outdoor attire for the day of the incident. Sandra confirms that it was typical for Nikolai to carry a knife and wear camouflage clothing for outdoor activities. She also discusses his preparedness for the day's events and his interactions with the group.

40:25

Witness Account of the Incident and Subsequent Actions 🚨

Sandra provides a critical account of the moment she realized there was a serious issue during the incident. She describes her observations that led her to send help, her concern for Nikolai's safety, and her lack of awareness about the specifics of what was happening due to her distance from the scene and hearing limitations.

45:26

Concern for Safety and Decision-Making 🛑

In this part, Sandra explains her thought process and the reasons behind her decision to send help when she did. She emphasizes her desire to ensure Nikolai's safety and her concern that the situation might escalate beyond control. The summary also touches on her knowledge of Nikolai's past health issues and his recovery from surgery.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Witness

A witness in the context of this video script refers to an individual, Sandra, who is providing testimony or evidence in a legal proceeding. She is recounting her personal experiences and observations related to an incident involving Nikolai and others during a tubing event. Her account is crucial for establishing the sequence of events and the actions of the individuals involved.

💡Tubing

Tubing in this script refers to the recreational activity of floating down a river or other body of water on an inflatable tube. It is the central activity around which the events in the video take place. The incident that is being discussed happened while the group was engaged in this activity.

💡Incident

The term 'incident' refers to the event or series of events that led to legal proceedings and the need for witness testimony. In this video, the incident involves a physical altercation that Nikolai was a part of during the tubing activity, which resulted in injuries and law enforcement involvement.

💡Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in this context refers to the government officials or agencies responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and investigating crimes. In the video, law enforcement officers are depicted as responding to the incident and conducting an investigation, including taking statements from witnesses like Sandra.

💡Testimony

Testimony refers to a formal statement made by a witness under oath during a legal proceeding, such as a trial or an inquiry. In the video, Sandra's account of the events constitutes her testimony, which is being questioned and clarified by the involved parties.

💡Character

Character, in this context, refers to the personal qualities, traits, and reputation of an individual, particularly as they pertain to moral and ethical behavior. Sandra is asked about Nikolai's character to provide insight into his nature and to help understand his actions during the incident.

💡Physical Evidence

Physical evidence includes tangible objects or materials that are presented in legal proceedings to prove or disprove a fact. In the video, Sandra's testimony is considered a form of evidence, as are photographs and other items mentioned that can help reconstruct the events of the incident.

💡Injury

Injury refers to physical harm or damage to the body caused by an external force or agent. In the context of the video, injuries are a significant aspect of the incident, as they indicate the level of force used and can be crucial in determining the severity of the altercation.

💡Recollection

Recollection refers to the act of remembering past events or details. In legal proceedings, a witness's recollection is critical to constructing an accurate timeline and understanding of the events in question.

💡Conflict

Conflict, in this context, refers to a disagreement or fight that arises between parties. The video script revolves around an incident that involved a conflict, and the testimonies are aimed at understanding the nature and extent of this conflict.

💡Safety

Safety refers to the state of being protected from harm or danger. In the video, concerns about safety arise when Sandra observes the incident unfolding and decides to send help for Nikolai, fearing for his well-being.

Highlights

Witness Sandra Anderson begins her testimony.

Sandra confirms her relationship with Nikolai Mew and their mutual acquaintance, Richie.

Details of the tubing event on July 30, 2022, are discussed, including the group's activities and interactions.

Sandra's familiarity with the individuals in the group photo is established, including her knowledge of Ariel and Ernesto.

Sandra's recollection of the events leading up to the incident, including Nikolai's actions and the group dynamics, are explored.

The presence of a knife during the tubing event is mentioned, with Sandra clarifying its intended use and Nikolai's handling of it.

Sandra describes the moment she noticed something amiss, leading to her concern for Nikolai's safety.

The actions taken by Sandra and the group upon realizing Nikolai was in trouble are detailed.

Sandra's account of the aftermath, including the police arrival and the medical response, is provided.

The discussion shifts to Nikolai's character, with Sandra describing him as a peaceful individual.

Sandra talks about Nikolai's health, including his bypass surgery and its impact on his physical abilities.

Sandra addresses questions about Nikolai's alcohol consumption on the day of the incident.

The testimony concludes with Sandra's reflections on Nikolai's behavior and actions throughout the day of the tubing event.

Transcripts

00:00

nothing but the

00:01

TRU please have a seat in the witness

00:12

chair Mr

00:14

Anderson can you please State your first

00:16

and last name Sandra

00:19

mu and Sandra do you work no um where

00:24

what city and state do you live in I

00:26

live in Lakeville

00:28

Minnesota

00:33

and obviously you know Nikolai Mew

00:40

yes where did you guys where did you two

00:43

meet at work and is that Richie

00:46

engineering

00:51

yes were

00:53

you tubing with Nikolai on July 30 2022

00:58

yes were you with a group of people I'm

01:03

sorry what were you with a group of

01:04

people

01:12

yes commission to approach

01:19

yes I'm handing it's been marked as

01:22

exhibit 12 you can take

01:25

it are those the people you were tubing

01:27

with yes okay

01:30

um move to admit and publish any

01:33

objection to 12 no

01:47

objection and Sandra can you see that do

01:50

you go by Sandy or Sandra Sandy

01:56

okay far left person who's that it's

02:00

Ariel and how do you know

02:03

Ariel he's

02:05

nesto's nephew and anesto used to work

02:07

with us okay how many times were you and

02:11

Nick or just Nick close friends with

02:14

Ariel just met

02:16

him um we sort of were close friends

02:18

with them we'd go over to Amy and

02:19

nesto's house and he would be there okay

02:22

and how about the woman next Ariel I

02:25

don't know him know her very well that's

02:28

Ariel's girlfriend friend okay and

02:32

then

02:35

um guy third from right I don't know him

02:38

that was the first time he had been

02:40

there okay and then that's Nikolai next

02:43

to Fourth from right yes okay where are

02:46

you in this photo I'm in the inner tube

02:48

in the middle okay and

02:51

then where's Ernesto anesto is in

02:55

between Amy and Rosie okay maybe I'll go

02:59

back

03:01

everyone can see can you still see it

03:03

yeah show down okay and who is Rosie

03:06

Rosie is an nesto's

03:09

sister

03:11

and how do you know Ernesto and

03:15

Rosie I know anesto cuz we worked with

03:18

him Rosie's been over at his house when

03:21

we would go over there okay how long

03:23

have you known or

03:25

nesto

03:27

um I I don't even know 10 some years

03:31

probably maybe a little bit

03:33

more 10 to 15 yeah I'd go 10 to 15 okay

03:38

do you guys you and Nick would you

03:40

socialize with them a

03:41

lot yes we'd go to their house would

03:44

they come to your house yes okay so

03:47

decent close to close friends yes how

03:50

about Amanda or Amy that's in nesto's

03:53

wife okay you knew her pretty well too

03:57

yes and T did you know her I only knew

04:01

her a little bit I met her a couple of

04:03

times when we'd go over to Amy and

04:05

nesto's house okay and and same with

04:08

pachy I only met him when we go over

04:11

there and I only met him maybe three

04:12

times okay and you that's what you know

04:15

him as pachy mhm yes yes okay

04:28

sorry

04:43

when you were

04:48

tuing in the

04:50

beginning did Nikolai have a knife on

04:52

him I don't know if he did when we were

04:56

tubing in the beginning at the start

05:01

he only did to cut the strings on the

05:04

tubes he went back to the Jeep and I

05:06

thought he put it away

05:08

okay um and as you guys were

05:15

tubing so you didn't see him put it

05:17

there you just thought he put it in the

05:18

Jeep when he went back to the Jeep

05:22

yes and is that what he brought it for

05:24

to cut the string yes so you could tie

05:27

up at the beginning yes actually a nesto

05:30

called Nick and asked him to bring it

05:33

okay so we could he could cut the string

05:35

did you did your group stop on the way

05:39

did you stop anywhere on the way while

05:41

tubing why we were tubing no did you

05:44

stop before we got there yeah did you

05:47

stop somewhere to eat or hang out on a

05:50

beach or anything like that

05:52

no you remember telling law enforcement

05:56

you stopped and you're eating for like

05:57

30 minutes or so and using the bathroom

06:01

that was why we were

06:02

tubing what do you mean can you explain

06:05

that we were tubing down the river and

06:07

there was a spot that is covered where

06:10

they must have played a band or

06:12

something there once in a while it was

06:15

on the river while we were tubing we

06:16

stopped to eat gotcha you thought I was

06:18

asking about before tubing yes okay

06:26

sorry

06:28

and did

06:31

Nikolai have uh snorkel goggles with him

06:40

yes and was he

06:43

snorkeling by a group of young guys at

06:47

one

06:48

point I don't

06:50

know he just took the snorkle and went

06:54

out there did you see him by a group of

06:56

young guys at some point I did later

07:00

okay when the incident

07:03

started and was there actually a couple

07:07

times that Nicolai went over to that

07:09

group that I don't know for

07:12

sure did you tell law enforcement that

07:15

he went over there

07:17

twice I know he

07:21

I I think he went to that group he came

07:25

back and then I didn't know he went back

07:27

to that group until later I saw him over

07:32

there okay so he he had gone to the

07:36

group of the young guys came

07:39

back and then at some point he went back

07:42

there but you didn't see him go back

07:43

there again no I didn't keep track of

07:46

him okay

07:49

how how

07:51

long um was he back that you remember

07:56

before you noticed he was gone again I

07:59

know maybe 5 minutes I don't know for

08:01

sure do you remember saying maybe 10

08:02

minutes I I may

08:11

have and then when he went judge can we

08:14

approach

08:28

yes

08:58

e

09:28

e and at some point did Ariel's phone

09:34

get knocked in the

09:36

water I don't know how it went in the

09:38

water but

09:43

yes

09:46

and do you remember in relation to the

09:50

two times Nikolai went over to those the

09:52

group of young guys was it before the

09:55

first time after the first time do you

09:58

remember

10:00

was what before or after when the phone

10:02

got lost oh it was before

10:07

okay and was Nikolai looking for the

10:11

phone

10:12

yes what what were you guys doing the

10:15

rest of the group while Nikolai was

10:16

looking for the phone I don't know what

10:18

they were doing I was busy sitting in

10:20

the inner tube cuz I had a hard time

10:21

getting out of it and I was just looking

10:24

at the sky and the trees and just

10:27

relaxing and enjoying my day

10:30

you guys I mean your group was kind of

10:32

by a sandbar is that right mhm

10:39

okay and when Nikolai was back at the

10:43

group of young guys the second

10:46

time did something catch your

10:50

attention I happen to every once in a

10:54

while I'd sit up in my tube just to see

10:55

where Nick was at and the one time I did

11:00

that it looked like there was people

11:03

around him and all of a sudden I saw him

11:05

on his hands and knees in the water and

11:07

somebody was hitting him didn't you

11:10

originally say that the first thing you

11:12

noticed was all the young guys jumping

11:14

out of their

11:15

tubes I may have and it's that that

11:18

point that you alerted your group and

11:22

sent some people over there or asked

11:25

some people to go over there yeah I had

11:27

asked two of them who are those two

11:30

people Ariel and arnesto okay and again

11:34

Ariel in the group photos on the far

11:37

left yes he's with the red white and

11:41

blue and Ernesto is the guy the only one

11:44

without a shirt off in that photo yeah

11:46

he's on the other

11:49

side it's like second from where I'm at

11:52

on that side

11:58

okay

12:03

and so you

12:05

saw and just to clarify this is the

12:08

second time nikolai's at the group that

12:11

you see them jump

12:12

up yes

12:16

okay

12:19

and do arnesto after you see the boys

12:22

jump up and you alert the

12:25

group do Ernesto and Ariel start walking

12:28

over there

12:30

yes Ariel went first and then anesta

12:40

went and then I think you said the next

12:43

thing you remember was he or saw was he

12:46

was on his hands and knees in the water

12:48

and somebody hit him

12:50

yep and then did you see anything after

12:54

that I did

12:57

not and

13:02

and how at some point after what what do

13:05

you remember happening after

13:07

that they just brought him

13:10

back and and I saw the police come and

13:13

people were screaming

13:17

and um kid was by a tree I

13:21

guess and later because we stayed there

13:25

for about 20

13:27

minutes and I'm gonna get to that in a

13:30

second but I just want to back up a

13:32

little bit

13:35

so you said they brought him back

13:40

did Nikolai come back before or after or

13:44

with Ernesto and Ariel if you

13:48

remember with them I think did you

13:51

actually see Nikolai walking back from

13:53

the group or did you just was he just

13:56

there like next thing you noticed I saw

13:59

him

14:00

coming I didn't see him leave that group

14:03

I saw him no walking back and were you

14:06

watching him the whole time he was

14:07

walking

14:09

back not at the beginning when he left

14:11

the group I didn't see

14:13

that and did you watch

14:16

him

14:18

so I just want to make sure I'm

14:28

understanding

14:31

[Applause]

14:32

that the last sheet of paper yes um one

14:35

of the bails I think there's another

14:37

pack just outside the store leaning it

14:39

up against the

14:58

wall

15:11

let's take that one down we need to mark

15:13

it in any

15:26

event so if

15:31

this is the river

15:34

mhm let's say this is The Sandbar okay

15:37

you with me mhm okay were you you guys

15:40

are somewhere around here yeah right

15:43

next to it okay in the water or yes okay

15:46

like right here yep okay and

15:51

then

15:53

the do you remember where

15:56

the young boys were or young kids or

15:59

adults yeah they were on that

16:02

side the other side of the river yes

16:04

they weren't on the same side we were on

16:06

and they were they Downstream ways yes

16:09

okay so right I mean there's no scale so

16:12

yeah I'll just draw them generally here

16:16

so at some point Nikolai walked back mhm

16:20

and you said you didn't see him when he

16:22

left at first do you know like at if if

16:26

you know I don't want you to guess at

16:29

like if when he was halfway did you

16:31

start to watch him come back when he was

16:32

almost back to your

16:34

group

16:36

um probably a little less or a little

16:39

more than halfway okay so maybe like

16:42

around here no the other way lower oh

16:44

this down here probably saw him about in

16:48

there and did he walk straight back to

16:50

your group from there yes and you

16:53

watched him walk back yes okay do you

16:57

remember

17:05

you met

17:06

with essentially the people sitting at

17:09

this table prior to testifying is that

17:11

right

17:12

yes and do you remember saying in that

17:15

meeting that you weren't watching him

17:17

when he walked back the whole time yes

17:20

okay so you know which one it is yes I

17:24

probably didn't watch him the whole time

17:27

okay

17:39

and

17:41

after Nikolai was back by you your

17:46

group what did you see what did you

17:50

hear not not amongst your group but down

17:55

river um there was a lot of commotion

17:57

down there

17:59

um I saw um the police arrive I

18:05

saw someone I didn't really see the

18:08

person laying by the tree but I saw

18:10

somebody give him that person

18:14

CPR let me ask a question about that so

18:17

the person who is getting

18:21

CPR was that on the other side of the

18:23

river from you yes it was by where the

18:26

other people's troops were so

18:35

[Music]

18:42

somewhere down

18:44

here

18:48

yeah

18:50

and did you see that CPR going on you

18:54

said you're were there about 20 minutes

18:56

yeah I think it was about 20 minutes I

18:58

don't know for sure but it seemed like

19:00

20 minutes and was somebody getting CPR

19:03

on the shore that whole time um pretty

19:07

much

19:11

okay about 20

19:14

minutes did you

19:19

see and the commotion um can you

19:23

describe the

19:27

commotion um

19:30

people were more

19:31

frantic it

19:33

seemed um they were just going to people

19:37

that needed

19:39

help and what do you mean needed help do

19:41

you see people who are injured no just I

19:45

like I said I didn't see the one by the

19:46

tree either I'm just assuming but

19:50

no so what did

19:52

you what did you see to know they were

19:55

doing

19:57

CPR I saw some somebody pushing up and

20:00

down on the person's chest

20:05

okay did you see blood I did

20:10

not and so you said you saw a law

20:12

enforcement arrive mhm yes

20:20

and you remember seeing a couple

20:22

officers in the water

20:25

yes is that is that what you remember as

20:28

far as law enforcement that you saw

20:29

before you guys

20:31

left yes there may have been an

20:33

ambulance but I'm not

20:35

sure do you do you remember telling us

20:40

in the meeting that you saw a police SUV

20:44

couple officers in the water and no

20:47

ambulance yes I do remember that

20:51

okay

20:57

so

20:59

did anyone from your group once Ariel

21:04

Ernesto and Nikolai are back with you

21:08

did anyone walk over

21:11

to where the commotion was going on I

21:14

heard somebody did I didn't see

21:27

them

21:37

prior to

21:43

the incident I'll call

21:46

it was the what was the atmosphere like

21:49

among your group were you guys drinking

21:52

listening to music we were listening to

21:54

music until the phone got lost cuz that

21:56

was the one that was playing the music

21:57

on okay um some of them were

22:01

drinking okay was Nikolai drinking he

22:05

had about two

22:11

beers about just an estimate yeah you

22:16

were the designated sober driver home

22:18

right yeah I was just drinking

22:22

water and that was pre-planned that you

22:25

would be the one to drive home no it was

22:27

not pre-planned

22:35

[Applause]

22:43

and then after the incident what was

22:46

the mood like when you're tubing down

22:50

the river

22:57

quiet

23:03

and I'm not I'm not asking what was said

23:06

but while you're tbing down the

23:09

river was Nikolai

23:11

talking he was I think he was talking to

23:14

Amy but I'm not positive okay I didn't

23:17

look to

23:23

see so when

23:25

you fair to say when you guys tube down

23:29

the person was still getting

23:34

CPR I don't

23:36

remember there's the scene was the scene

23:39

still

23:40

chaotic I don't think it was back then

23:43

no no but it was before ambulances

23:46

arrived

23:49

right I don't know for sure well you

23:53

said there you saw a police SUV two

23:56

officers in the water no ambulances

23:58

right I didn't I don't know for sure I

24:01