Marcus Arduini-Monzo, 37, was found guilty of the brutal murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin in Hainault, north-east London, following a terrifying 20-minute rampage on April 30, 2024. Armed with a 60cm samurai sword, Monzo attacked multiple victims, including Daniel, who was fatally wounded just 14 metres from his home while walking to school. The former Amazon delivery driver also committed three counts of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon during the spree.
The attack began early that morning at 06:45 BST when Monzo drove a grey Ford Transit van into pedestrian Donato Iwule, catapulting him into a nearby garden. Monzo then chased and slashed Mr. Iwule in the neck with the sword before turning his attention to Daniel, who was wearing headphones and a school PE kit, unaware of the impending danger. Witnesses described Monzo dropping to his knees after mortally wounding Daniel, letting out an “extremely loud scream” that was interpreted as a scream of delight and celebration. This chilling reaction underscored the horrifying nature of the attack.
Monzo’s violent spree did not end there. He entered a nearby home where a couple and their four-year-old daughter were asleep. Demanding to know if they “believe in God,” he slashed the man on the arm before fleeing. Police officers and paramedics arrived swiftly, with officers engaging in a dangerous pursuit through alleyways and residential streets. PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield was struck three times by Monzo’s sword with “extreme force” during the chase. Despite the violence, it was described as “miraculous” that no more lives were lost, a testament to the bravery and quick response of the emergency services.
Monzo was eventually tasered and arrested after wielding the sword threateningly at officers and even striking an ambulance as paramedics worked to treat Daniel on the ground. The harrowing footage from CCTV and police body-worn cameras was played in court, with Daniel’s parents present throughout the trial, visibly devastated by the loss of their son.
The court heard disturbing details about Monzo’s mental state and background. Prior to the attack, he had gone into a cannabis-induced psychosis, having killed and skinned his pet cat, Wizard. Monzo claimed his personality had switched, describing the events as “like a game happening” and likening them to the Hollywood film The Hunger Games. He also claimed to have an alternative persona as a “professional assassin.” Despite these claims, the prosecution argued that psychosis induced by self-intoxication was no defense for murder, a position upheld by the jury.
Monzo’s troubled past was further revealed during the trial. Born in Brazil, he moved to Britain in 2013 and was bullied in his youth. He practiced mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning a blue belt, but an injury in 2016 led him to explore yoga and spirituality. He spent time at retreats in India and the Amazon, where he consumed ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea, though no trace of the class A drug DMT was found in his system at the time of arrest. His brother Eduardo described how Marcus became withdrawn, spending up to 20 hours a day meditating and avoiding contact with family, even burning a picture of his former spiritual guru, whom he came to believe was a demon.
Monzo’s social media profiles painted a picture of a deeply disturbed and radicalized individual. His TikTok account revealed an obsession with swords and violent samurai-themed content, while his X (formerly Twitter) account liked posts praising Adolf Hitler, promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories, misogynistic “incel” ideologies, and far-right extremism. He espoused beliefs in flat earth theories and various conspiracies, including the 9/11 attacks being a probable conspiracy and chemtrails being sprayed over London. His online activity also showed admiration for controversial figures such as Andrew Tate and Elon Musk.
His boxing coach in East London described Monzo as a recluse who struggled to fit in and had no friends. The court also heard that Monzo reenacted stabbing motions while chatting with staff at Broadmoor secure psychiatric hospital, where he was held following the attacks.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Ashley Fegan-Earl testified that Daniel’s injuries were “absolutely unsurvivable,” caused by sharp force trauma to the head with an “extreme level of force.” The prosecution highlighted the cold and deliberate nature of Monzo’s attacks, emphasizing his clear intent to kill and the indiscriminate targeting of victims.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell of the Metropolitan Police expressed profound sorrow for Daniel’s family, praising their courage and dignity throughout the trial. He commended the officers and paramedics who responded swiftly and bravely, some even arriving before their shifts began, potentially saving more lives. “It didn’t matter who they were and sadly, he targeted Daniel in a cowardly and brutal attack,” Bell said, acknowledging the resilience of other victims who survived the ordeal.
Kirsty O’Connor of the Crown Prosecution Service echoed these sentiments, stating: “Our hearts go out to Daniel Anjorin’s family and friends who have suffered his unimaginable loss in horrific circumstances.” She also paid tribute to the exceptional bravery of PC Mechem-Whitfield, PC King, Inspector Campbell, and others who risked their lives to apprehend Monzo, undoubtedly preventing further tragedy.
Monzo was cleared of one count of attempted murder related to one victim but was found guilty of the lesser charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He will face a life sentence when he returns to court for sentencing on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The case starkly highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues compounded by substance misuse, radicalization, and social isolation. It also reflects the immense courage of emergency responders and the enduring grief of families left shattered by senseless violence.
