Chicago Student Found Guilty of Murdering Girlfriend in London

A 26-year-old Chicago man studying abroad has been convicted of murdering his on-and-off girlfriend in London, following what prosecutors described as a brutal attack that involved stabbing and choking.

Joshua Michals was found guilty of killing 31-year-old Zhe Wang in March 2024 while both were attending Goldsmiths University in London. According to the Metropolitan Police, the pair had begun a casual relationship shortly after Michals enrolled at the university in 2023.

The case drew international attention when Michals phoned police to report a “serious incident” at Wang’s home, telling authorities he had already left the property. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Wang with two stab wounds to her face. A subsequent post-mortem examination revealed she had also suffered sustained neck compression.

In a particularly damning piece of evidence, investigators found that Michals had called his father after the killing to secure a lawyer before contacting authorities—waiting nearly four hours before alerting police to Wang’s death. When officers arrested Michals later that night, he refused to answer questions about their relationship or the circumstances surrounding Wang’s death.

“Michals carried out a brutal and savage attack on Zhe, who was described by her friends as a quiet and gentle woman enjoying her studies in London,” said Detective Inspector Claire Guiver of the Metropolitan Police. “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.”

During the investigation, authorities uncovered months of text messages that revealed ongoing tension between the couple. Wang had repeatedly asked Michals to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, which police described as a “growing source of tension” in their relationship.

Michals later attempted to claim self-defense, telling the court that Wang had attacked him during an argument about STDs. However, prosecutors successfully argued that Michals had “flown into a rage” during their meeting at her home, resulting in her murder.

The investigation was further strengthened when police discovered bloodstained clothing at Michals’ residence. Forensic analysis confirmed the DNA matched Wang’s, significantly undermining his self-defense claims.

This case highlights the troubling reality of intimate partner violence among international students, a population that often faces additional challenges when navigating relationship problems while studying abroad. International students may experience isolation from their support networks and face cultural and language barriers when seeking help.

Wang’s murder also underscores the importance of university programs addressing relationship violence and providing resources for students studying far from home. Educational institutions increasingly recognize their responsibility to create safe environments for international students, who may be particularly vulnerable when relationship conflicts escalate.

The conviction comes amid growing concern about the safety of international students in major educational hubs like London, which attracts thousands of foreign students annually. While such violent incidents remain relatively rare, they emphasize the need for robust support systems for students living and studying abroad.

Michals now awaits sentencing for the murder, which could result in a life sentence under UK law. The case has shocked both the Goldsmiths University community and the broader international student population in London.