Full Breakdown
Joshua Michals Convicted of Murdering Zhe Wang at Goldsmiths University
12/9/2025, 2:50:21 AM
Fatal Incident and Conviction Details
Joshua Michals, a 26-year-old American student, has been found guilty of murdering his on-and-off girlfriend, Zhe Wang, a 31-year-old creative writing student at Goldsmiths, University of London. The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, at Wang's flat in Manor Park, Lewisham, where she was discovered with two stab wounds to her face and signs of strangulation. Following 16 hours of jury deliberation, Michals was convicted at the Old Bailey, rejecting his claims of self-defense during a confrontation over a suspected sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Relationship Background
Michals and Wang met on the Goldsmiths campus in September 2023 and began a casual relationship that was marked by tension, particularly regarding Wang's germophobia and concerns about STDs. After a sexual encounter in February 2024, Wang noticed a "red dot" on her skin and insisted Michals undergo testing for STDs, even threatening to find him on campus to ensure he complied. Michals described feeling "so-so" about the relationship, which he characterized as casual, while Wang sought a more serious commitment.
The Day of the Murder
On the day of the murder, Michals brought a charcuterie selection to Wang's flat in an attempt to ease the tension. He claimed that upon entering the flat, he found Wang in a distressed state and that she attacked him with a knife. Prosecutor Henrietta Paget KC argued that Michals "flew into a rage" and fatally stabbed Wang, leaving her to die before calling emergency services nearly three hours later. Evidence presented during the trial included deleted messages that revealed the couple's troubled relationship and Michals' attempts to cover up his actions by disposing of the murder weapon and Wang's phone.
Official Statements and Responses
Following the verdict, Goldsmiths University expressed deep sorrow over Wang's death, describing her as a "remarkable writer" whose work would be published posthumously in an upcoming anthology. Dr. Francis Gilbert, a senior lecturer at the university, highlighted Wang's intellectual curiosity and creative courage, stating, "We are devastated by the loss of Zhe Wang, who was a wonderful student." Detective Inspector Claire Guiver of the Metropolitan Police characterized Michals' actions as "brutal and savage," emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to combat violence against women.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Michals' defense pointed to the evidence that contradicted his claims of self-defense, including the significant time delay before he contacted emergency services. The jury's decision to convict him reflects a broader societal condemnation of domestic violence and the importance of accountability in such cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'This was a brutal and savage attack.” — Henrietta Paget KC, Prosecutor
- “We are pleased the jury has seen through his claims that he killed Zhe by accident when she tried to attack him with a knife.” — Claire Guiver, Detective Inspector
- “'Zhe was joyful, mindful, and generous.” — Dr. Francis Gilbert, Goldsmiths University
What's Next
Joshua Michals is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. The case has drawn attention to issues of student safety and the dynamics of relationships within university settings, prompting discussions on the need for enhanced support systems for students facing domestic violence.
