An American Goldsmiths student, Joshua Michals, aged 26, has been convicted of murdering his on-and-off girlfriend, Zhe Wang, aged 31, following his claim of acting in self-defence. The incident occurred in March last year at Wang’s residence in south-east London. Michals stabbed Wang twice in the face and then strangled her. He alleged that the act was in response to a misunderstanding, where Wang falsely believed she had contracted a sexually transmitted disease from him.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, Michals detailed that he had reservations about starting a relationship with Wang due to her germophobia. The court heard that Wang insisted on Michals getting tested for an STD after noticing a skin blemish post-intercourse, even though he did not have the disease.
Michals recounted that the day after their disagreement, he visited Wang’s flat in Manor Park with a selection of charcuterie to normalize the situation. However, upon his arrival, he described Wang as being cold and claimed she became aggressive with a kitchen knife, leading to a physical altercation.
Despite his defense that he did not intend to harm Wang, prosecutors argued that Michals brutally attacked her in a fit of rage. Following the fatal incident, Michals delayed seeking help for several hours, eventually calling emergency services after leaving the scene.
Moreover, Michals was accused of attempting to destroy evidence by deleting WhatsApp conversations and disposing of incriminating items. The messages revealed Wang’s persistent requests for Michals to undergo STD testing before her tragic demise.
After 16 hours and 31 minutes of deliberation, Michals was found guilty of murder. Detective Inspector Claire Guiver emphasized the heinous nature of the crime, labeling Michals as a dangerous individual. The court will sentence Michals at a later date.
Both Michals and Wang were students at Goldsmiths, with Wang pursuing a master’s degree in Creative Writing and Education. Colleagues and lecturers remembered Wang as a talented writer and a mindful individual with aspirations for a PHD and a return to China. Dr. Francis Gilbert, a senior lecturer, praised Wang’s unique writing style and noted that her work would be featured in an upcoming anthology.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the focus remains on justice for Wang and efforts to combat violence against women. Michals’ conviction serves as a reminder of the consequences of his violent actions, as highlighted by the investigating authorities.
