Joshua Michals, a 26-year-old American pursuing a master’s degree at Goldsmiths, University of London, was convicted of murdering Zhe Wang, a 31-year-old classmate, in March 2024. The two had a “casual relationship” marked by tension, especially after Wang repeatedly asked Michals to get tested for STDs.
On the day of the murder, Michals called police nearly four hours after the incident, having first contacted his father for legal counsel. Wang was found at the scene with stab wounds to her face and compression marks on her neck. Michals was arrested with bloodstained clothes in his residence.
During the trial, Michals claimed self-defense, stating he did not intend to stab Wang but wanted to get her away from him after she allegedly attacked him with a knife. The defense suggested Wang was angry due to fear of having contracted an STD from Michals.
Authorities rejected the self-defense claim, labeling Michals a “dangerous, violent individual.” Detective Inspector Claire Guiver described the attack as brutal and savage and extended condolences to Wang’s family and friends.
This case highlights serious issues around relationship violence, trust, and communication, especially when health concerns like STDs exacerbate strained dynamics. Michals was born and raised in Chicago and is now facing legal consequences in the UK.
If you would like, there can be an exploration of legal differences in self-defense claims between the US and UK or a discussion of how universities handle student safety in such cases.
