A London jury has found Marcus Arduini Monzo, a 37-year-old Spanish-Brazilian man, guilty of murdering 14-year-old British-Nigerian schoolboy Daniel Anjorin during a violent rampage in Hainault, northeast London, in April 2024. Monzo now faces a life sentence after being convicted of murder, three counts of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.
Daniel Anjorin, the youngest child of a Nigerian family, was walking to school wearing headphones when Monzo ambushed him from behind with a 60cm samurai sword, inflicting catastrophic and unsurvivable injuries to his face and neck. Despite warnings from neighbors, Daniel did not hear Monzo approach. Witnesses described Monzo screaming in “delight” after the attack.
Monzo’s rampage lasted about 20 minutes and included driving his van into a pedestrian, attacking two police officers—one of whom suffered life-altering injuries—and breaking into a home where he assaulted a man in front of his wife and young daughter before being apprehended by police. In total, four others were seriously injured during the spree.
During the trial, Monzo claimed he had no memory of the attacks and argued his actions were due to a cannabis-induced psychosis. However, prosecutors maintained that his mental state was self-induced and did not absolve him of responsibility. The jury agreed, rejecting his defense and finding him fully accountable for his actions.
The court heard harrowing evidence, including police bodycam and CCTV footage, and learned that Monzo had a history of bizarre behavior and drug use. He admitted to owning the samurai sword used in the attack and a katana found in his van.
Daniel’s family, who attended the trial, expressed devastation over the loss of their beloved son and brother. The attack sent shockwaves through the community, with police and prosecutors commending the bravery of officers and emergency workers who confronted Monzo.
Monzo will be sentenced at the Old Bailey, where he faces life imprisonment for his crimes.
