Chicago Man Found Guilty of Murdering Girlfriend in London After Brutal Attack
LONDON — A Chicago man studying in London has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend after a violent attack that left her dead in her home. Joshua Michals, 26, was convicted of killing 31-year-old Zhe Wang following a stabbing and choking incident in March 2024, the Metropolitan Police announced Monday.
Michals and Wang began a casual relationship shortly after enrolling at Goldsmiths University in 2023. According to police, tensions had been rising between the couple over concerns about sexually transmitted diseases, with Wang repeatedly urging Michals to get tested. Investigators uncovered months of messages on Michals’ phone highlighting this growing source of conflict.
On the day of the murder, Michals reportedly stabbed Wang twice in the face and applied sustained pressure to her neck, causing fatal injuries. After the attack, Michals called his father to arrange for a lawyer before contacting police nearly four hours later. When officers arrived at Wang’s residence, they found her with two stab wounds and evidence of strangulation. A post-mortem examination confirmed sustained neck compression as the cause of death.
Detective Inspector Claire Guiver described the attack as “brutal and savage,” emphasizing Wang’s character as a “quiet and gentle woman” who was focused on her studies. “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,” she said.
During Michals’ arrest, police recovered bloodstained clothing from his property, with DNA tests confirming the blood matched Wang’s. Michals initially refused to answer questions about their relationship or the events leading to her death.
The case drew significant attention in both the United Kingdom and the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by international students and the importance of timely law enforcement response. The Metropolitan Police Service coordinated the investigation, working alongside forensic experts to piece together the timeline and evidence.
Michals’ defense argued that the killing was in self-defense during an argument about sexually transmitted diseases, but prosecutors countered that he “flew into a rage” and deliberately murdered Wang. The jury ultimately rejected the self-defense claim.
This case underscores the critical role of swift police intervention and thorough investigative work by agencies such as the UK Home Office and the U.S. Department of Justice in cross-border criminal matters. It also raises awareness about the vulnerabilities faced by students abroad and the importance of support networks.
Michals’ conviction brings some measure of closure to Wang’s family and friends, who remember her as a dedicated student and a gentle presence in London’s academic community. The court’s decision sends a clear message about accountability for violent crimes, regardless of nationality or location.
For more information on safety and support for students overseas, resources are available through the U.S. Department of State and the UK’s official government portals.
The trial and verdict mark a somber chapter in the ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence and ensure justice for victims worldwide.
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