Goldsmiths Student Sentenced to Life for Brutal Murder of Girlfriend
An American film student has been handed a life sentence after fatally stabbing his girlfriend in her London flat, in a tragic case that has shocked the academic community. Joshua Michals, 26, a student at Goldsmiths, University of London, was convicted for the murder of Zhe Wang, a 31-year-old Chinese creative writing student, in a violent incident that unfolded in March 2024.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The court heard that Ms Wang was found with two stab wounds to her face inside her Manor Park flat in Lewisham, southeast London. Prosecutors detailed how Michals, from Chicago, inflicted these serious injuries using one of her kitchen knives during a heated argument. Judge Richard Marks KC, presiding over the case, remarked that Michals had ‘lost complete control of your temper and your senses’ in a fit of rage.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that the altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding over a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Ms Wang had mistakenly believed she had contracted an STI from Michals after noticing a red dot on her skin following intimacy, despite Michals never having such an infection. This misconception reportedly triggered the violent outburst.
Victim Impact and Family Grief
In a poignant victim impact statement, Ms Wang’s cousin, Xiao Li Wang, expressed the profound heartbreak of losing a beloved family member. Speaking via video link from China, she described Zhe as ‘so positive, hardworking, passionate about life’, making the cruel nature of her death even more devastating. The family initially thought they were being scammed when informed of her passing in the UK, highlighting the surreal and tragic circumstances.
Judge Marks further noted that Ms Wang was ‘a hugely talented writer, a gentle and kindly young woman’, with a bright future ahead, including plans to publish her poetry. Her death has left a void in the literary and academic circles where she was admired as a remarkable thinker.
Defence Claims and Prosecution Arguments
During the trial, Michals attempted to shift blame onto Ms Wang, alleging that she had attacked him first with a knife after emerging from the bathroom. He described her as ‘germaphobic’ and claimed she had become upset over the STI misunderstanding. Additionally, Michals stated that he had pressed his forearm on her neck to restrain her, insisting he did not intend to kill her.
However, prosecutors countered these claims, arguing that Michals had ‘flown into a rage’ and deliberately killed Ms Wang. They highlighted his actions post-incident, including calling his father before alerting emergency services and discarding Ms Wang’s phone in a bin, which was later recovered from a waste site in Newham, east London.
Broader Context and Campaign
This case underscores the ongoing issue of violence against women, a topic that has gained increased attention through campaigns like This Is Not Right, launched by Metro in November 2024. The initiative, in partnership with Women's Aid, aims to address the epidemic of gender-based violence, reflecting the national emergency highlighted by such tragic incidents.
Michals was found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey last month, bringing a measure of justice for Ms Wang’s family and friends. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic disputes and the importance of addressing mental health and conflict resolution in relationships.
