The murder of Zhe Wang, a 31-year-old Chinese creative writing student at Goldsmiths, University of London, has left the academic community in shock and reignited conversations about violence against women in the UK. Wang, described by friends and faculty as a gentle and remarkable writer, was found dead in her flat in Manor Park, Lewisham, on March 20, 2024, the victim of a brutal attack by her on-and-off partner, fellow student Joshua Michals, 26, originally from Chicago, United States.
According to multiple reports, including Metro and UKNIP, the relationship between Wang and Michals had been marked by mounting tension in the months leading up to her death. The two had met after enrolling at Goldsmiths in the autumn of 2023, and their connection quickly developed into a casual romantic involvement. However, a persistent dispute over sexual health and trust would ultimately play a tragic role in the events that unfolded.
Investigators revealed that Wang had become increasingly concerned about the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from Michals. She reportedly discovered a red dot on her skin after a sexual encounter and, fearing the worst, asked Michals to get tested. Michals, as reported by Metro, saw her as "germaphobic" and described her cleaning routines as "bizarre." The issue became a recurring source of stress between them, with Wang repeatedly requesting proof that he was free from infection. These concerns culminated in her inviting him to her flat on the fateful evening to discuss the matter in person.
The events of March 20 remain chilling. Phone records and digital forensics, as detailed by the Metropolitan Police and UKNIP, showed that Michals sent Wang a message reading "here" at 7:17pm as he arrived at her flat. Less than an hour later, he had left the property, ordering an Uber to return home. For nearly four hours, Michals made no attempt to alert emergency services. Instead, he called his father, sought out a solicitor, and disposed of Wang's phone in a bin—actions that prosecutors argued demonstrated a clear attempt to evade responsibility.
It was not until 11:08pm that Michals finally called 999, reporting a "very serious incident" at Wang's address and referring to a "knife incident." By the time police and paramedics arrived, Wang was already dead. A post-mortem examination confirmed she had suffered two stab wounds to her face and sustained compression to her neck. Bloodstained clothes found at Michals' residence were later matched to Wang's DNA, further cementing the forensic case against him.
During his trial at the Old Bailey, Michals attempted to claim self-defense, alleging that Wang had attacked him with a knife as he exited the bathroom. He insisted that he had only pressed his forearm to her neck to restrain her and had not intended to kill her. However, as Metro reported, the jury saw through his account. Prosecutors painted a starkly different picture, arguing that Michals had "flown into a rage" and carried out a "brutal and savage attack." The jury deliberated for more than 16 hours before finding Michals guilty of murder.
Detective Inspector Claire Guiver, who led the investigation, did not mince words in her assessment of the case. "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. Our thoughts continue to remain with her family and friends, both in China and the UK. Our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls is unwavering and we will continue to do everything we can to make London a safer city," she said, as quoted by UKNIP.
Michals' attempts to cover his tracks extended beyond his initial failure to call for help. According to evidence presented at trial, he tried to remove all digital evidence from his phone and physical evidence from Wang's flat. Nonetheless, detectives managed to recover deleted messages, reconstructing the timeline of their deteriorating relationship and the events leading up to the murder. These messages, as reported by the Metropolitan Police, showed the repeated discussions about STI testing and the mounting strain between the couple.
The response from Goldsmiths University was one of profound grief and admiration for Wang's character and talent. Dr. Francis Gilbert, senior lecturer in the School of Mind, Body and Society at Goldsmiths, offered a moving tribute: "We are devastated by the loss of Zhe Wang, who was a wonderful student, a remarkable writer and a thinker who combined deep intellectual curiosity with creative courage and approached writing as a mindful practice. Her work blended Buddhist thought, imaginative storytelling and reflective clarity in a way that marked her out as a unique and singular voice." He further noted that Wang had been preparing to publish her work, and the university would honor her intentions by including her writing in a forthcoming anthology. "Zhe was joyful, mindful and generous. She was deeply loved by her peers, who continue to speak of her gentleness, her humour and her thoughtful presence. She made our community kinder and more attentive. We will miss Zhe always," Dr. Gilbert concluded, as reported by Metro.
The case has also become emblematic of the broader issue of violence against women and the urgent need for systemic change. Metro highlighted its "This Is Not Right" campaign, launched in November 2024 in partnership with Women's Aid, which seeks to address the ongoing epidemic of violence against women in the UK. Wang's story, tragic as it is, has galvanized calls for greater awareness, support for victims, and accountability for perpetrators.
As the legal process moves toward sentencing, with Michals facing a life sentence and the minimum term to be set at a later hearing, the focus remains on honoring Wang's memory. Her classmates and professors continue to mourn the loss of a friend and creative force whose presence brightened their community. Her poem, "Ode To A Foolish Bee," was cited by Dr. Gilbert as capturing the essence of her compassion, humor, and gentle insight—a legacy that, despite her tragic end, will endure in the hearts and minds of those she touched.
In the aftermath of this devastating crime, the story of Zhe Wang stands as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. For those who knew her, her writing and kindness remain a source of inspiration; for the wider public, her death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address violence against women and foster safer, more compassionate communities.
