Chicago Man Found Guilty of Murder in London

A man from Chicago, who was studying in London, has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend. Prosecutors claim he stabbed and strangled her before contacting her father to secure legal representation, followed by a call to the police.

Joshua Michaels, 26, began seeing Ze Wang, 31, soon after starting his studies at Goldsmiths University in 2023, according to the Metropolitan Police. In March 2024, Michaels reported a “serious incident” at Wang’s residence, stating she had already left. However, police found her with significant stab wounds to her face, and an autopsy later indicated he had also applied pressure to her neck.

While Michaels was arrested that evening, he remained silent regarding their relationship and the events leading to her death.

Further investigation revealed messages on Wang’s phone from the previous month, where she pressed Michaels to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. This situation had caused escalating tension between them. Michaels later argued he acted in self-defense during their exchange about health concerns.

Prosecutors contended that Michaels became “enraged” and killed Wang after she visited him. They highlighted that after the incident, he contacted her father and a lawyer before notifying authorities, about four hours after returning home.

At the time of his arrest, officers discovered bloodstained clothing belonging to Michaels, which was confirmed to contain Wang’s DNA.

Detective Inspector Claire Guyver commented on the case, stating that Michaels committed a brutal attack against Wang, who was remembered by friends as a gentle and kind individual enjoying her time in London. She expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, noting they recognized the flaws in Michaels’ claims that Wang had attacked him with a knife.