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American Student Sentenced to Life for Murdering UK Peers

1/30/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Joshua Michals, a 26-year-old American student, was sentenced to life for murdering Zhe Wang, a Goldsmiths University student, on March 20, 2024.
Wang, 31, a Goldsmiths University student, was killed in her southeast London home after Michals stabbed her and strangled her.
He called his father for legal advice and did not contact emergency services for three hours.
The jury rejected Michals's self-defense claims, leading to a life sentence.

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Story summary

Joshua Michals, a 26-year-old American student, was sentenced to life for murdering Zhe Wang, a Goldsmiths University student, on March 20, 2024.
Wang, 31, a Goldsmiths University student, was killed in her southeast London home after Michals stabbed her and strangled her.
He called his father for legal advice and did not contact emergency services for three hours.
The jury rejected Michals's self-defense claims, leading to a life sentence.