Full Breakdown
Joshua Michals Convicted of Murdering Zhe Wang
12/8/2025, 7:59:43 PM
Overview of the Case
Joshua Michals, a 26-year-old American student at Goldsmiths, University of London, has been found guilty of murdering his on-off girlfriend, Zhe Wang, a 31-year-old creative writing student. The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, at Wang's flat in Manor Park, Lewisham, where she suffered two fatal stab wounds to the face and was also strangled. The jury reached their verdict after 16 hours and 31 minutes of deliberation at the Old Bailey.
Background of the Relationship
Michals and Wang began their relationship in 2023 after meeting on the Goldsmiths campus. Their relationship was characterized as casual and tumultuous, with Wang expressing a desire for a more serious commitment, which Michals did not reciprocate. Tensions escalated when Wang discovered a rash on her skin following their sexual encounter, leading her to suspect Michals of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This prompted her to demand that he undergo testing, which he resisted.
The Incident
On the day of the murder, Michals visited Wang's flat with a charcuterie selection, intending to ease the tension between them. During the visit, he claimed that Wang attacked him with a knife after he emerged from the bathroom. Michals asserted that he acted in self-defense, stating, "I just wanted to get her away from me." However, evidence presented during the trial contradicted his claims, revealing that he had called his father for legal advice before contacting emergency services three hours after the attack.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Inspector Claire Guiver, who led the investigation, described the attack as "brutal and savage," emphasizing that Michals is a "dangerous, violent individual." The university expressed deep sorrow over Wang's death, highlighting her talents as a writer and her contributions to the academic community. Dr. Francis Gilbert, a senior lecturer at Goldsmiths, praised Wang's unique voice and intellectual curiosity, stating, "We are devastated by the loss of Zhe Wang."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed out the inadequacies in Michals' defense, particularly his attempts to portray the incident as an accident. Prosecutor Henrietta Paget KC argued that Michals had "flown into a rage" during the confrontation, undermining his claims of self-defense. The prosecution highlighted his actions following the incident, including the disposal of Wang's phone and the deletion of their WhatsApp conversations, as indicative of his intent to cover up the crime.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'This was a brutal and savage attack.” — Henrietta Paget, KC, Prosecutor
- “Our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls is unwavering and we will continue to do everything we can to make London a safer city.” — Claire Guiver, Detective Inspector
- “She made our community kinder and more attentive.” — Dr. Francis Gilbert, Senior Lecturer
What's Next
Joshua Michals is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. The case has raised broader discussions about violence against women and the responsibilities of individuals in relationships marked by conflict. Wang's work will be published posthumously in a forthcoming Goldsmiths anthology, honoring her legacy as a writer and student.