Uni Student Called Dad To Ask For Lawyer After Murdering Girlfriend Over STD Drama

Crazy story out of London involving two students at Goldsmiths University who fell out over a non-existent STD and ended up in a fatal tragedy.

Joshua Michals, 26, from Chicago, was a cinematography master’s student. Zhe Wang, 31, a Chinese national, was an aspiring teacher studying creative writing.

The pair had met on campus in late 2023 and had an on/off, ‘casual’ relationship. Wang was described as a “germaphobe” and was meticulous about cleanliness, even disinfecting Michals’s sofa before sitting on it. They apparently only had sex once –  in February 2024.

This could be because after their sexual encounter, Wang noticed a “rash” on her skin and became convinced she had contracted a life-threatening STD from Michals (a claim the Old Bailey heard was false). She became “stressed” and angry, messaging him: “I hate you for not taking a test, I hate you for pushing me to take the pill, I hate you for ruining my life”. She demanded he get tested, vowing to “drag” him to a GP.

On March 20, 2024, Michals went over to her flat in Lewisham with items for a charcuterie board, hoping to make peace and have a nice night in. An argument ensued, and Wang, who was “cold” and monosyllabic, allegedly came at him with a knife, according to Michals’s defense. Michals then stabbed her twice in the face and strangled her to death.

Instead of immediately calling 999, Michals called his dad, a high-ranking sales executive in the US, to get his lawyer’s details. He also got rid of the murder weapon and Wang’s phone in a bin bag. He called 999 three hours later from his own flat, and when police arrived at Wang’s home to find her dead in a pool of blood, he told them, “It’s not what it seems“.

At the Old Bailey today (Monday Dec 8), Michals was found guilty of murder. He had claimed self-defense, but prosecutors argued he “flew into a rage” and launched a “brutal and savage attack.”

Probably didn’t help matters that he disposed of Wang’s phone and the murder weapon, and took so long to call 999. She might have survived if he had called emergency services instead of doing all that and ringing his dad.

In the end, it’s completely senseless and tragic, and even more so that it occurred over a stupid misunderstanding around an STD that never was. They did use a condom during sex, but as a germaphobe it’s understandable that Wang freaked out at the sight of her rash (possibly caused by the morning-after pill), and especially as Michaels refused to take an STD test, for some reason.

It’s also worth noting that the pair would also argue because Wang wanted a serious relationship and was frustrated Michals wasn’t making more time for her, according to the NY Post.

In tribute to Wang, Dr Francis Gilbert, senior lecturer in the School of Mind, Body and Society at Goldsmiths, said:

‘We are devasted 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.

‘She was preparing to publish her work, and we will honour her intentions by including her writing in a forthcoming Goldsmiths 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.

‘Her classmates continue to mourn her loss and remember her with profound love, recalling the warmth of her presence and the inspiration she offered so generously to others.

‘We will miss Zhe always.

‘Her writing continues to illuminate our community, and her memory remains a source of tenderness, inspiration and care at Goldsmiths.

‘We send again our profound condolences to Zhe’s family who grieved with an intensity that expressed the depth of their love for her.’

Michals will be sentenced at a later date that is convenient for both his parents and Wang’s family,

To watch a girl confess to giving STDs to multiple partners without a care in the world, click HERE. Savage stuff.