London Man Convicted of Murdering Teenager in Samurai Sword Attack
A jury at London’s Central Criminal Court has convicted Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, of murder in connection with a brutal attack that killed a 14-year-old schoolboy and injured several others in northeast London. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, concluding a trial that detailed the terrifying events of April 2024.
Monzo, a dual Spanish and Brazilian citizen, faced a raft of charges following the incident in the Hainault area. The jury found him guilty not only of the murder of Daniel Anjorin, the young victim, but also of three counts of attempted murder, one count of grievous bodily harm, one count of aggravated burglary, and one count of possessing a bladed article.
The Hainault Attack: A Timeline of Terror
The rampage unfolded in April 2024, plunging the quiet suburban area of Hainault into chaos. Armed with a 2-foot (60 cm) samurai sword, Monzo embarked on a series of violent assaults. The prosecution characterized the incident as a psychotic episode, allegedly triggered by drug use, though Monzo had admitted to carrying two samurai swords prior to the attacks.
The violence began with Monzo reportedly striking a pedestrian with his van before savagely slashing the man’s neck, setting a horrifying tone for the events that followed.
The Tragic Loss of Daniel Anjorin
The attack reached its tragic peak with the fatal encounter involving Daniel Anjorin. The 14-year-old schoolboy, who was reportedly wearing headphones at the time, was brutally targeted by Monzo. The court heard disturbing details of the assault, including that Monzo nearly beheaded and stabbed the teenager, inflicting catastrophic injuries that proved fatal.
Daniel Anjorin’s death sent shockwaves through the local community and across London, highlighting the devastating impact of knife crime and random acts of violence.
Attacks on Other Victims
Beyond the murder of Daniel Anjorin, Monzo’s rampage left a trail of injured victims. In addition to the initial pedestrian struck by the van and slashed, five other individuals sustained injuries during the spree, leading to the three attempted murder counts and the charge of grievous bodily harm.
A Police Constable, Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield, was among those severely injured while responding to the unfolding incident. The court was told she suffered “brutal and life-changing” injuries when Monzo lunged at her. These injuries included a fractured skull and severe nerve damage, underscoring the extreme danger faced by emergency responders during the attack.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
The trial at the Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey, centered on the events of that day in April 2024. The prosecution presented evidence detailing Monzo’s actions and the sequence of the attacks, arguing that his actions met the legal threshold for murder and the other serious charges.
Monzo’s admission to carrying two samurai swords was part of the evidence considered. The defense’s arguments, including the assertion of a psychotic episode, were weighed against the gravity of the crimes and the intent implied by the nature of the attacks and the weapon used.
After deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all major counts: the murder of Daniel Anjorin, three counts of attempted murder, one count of grievous bodily harm, one count of aggravated burglary, and one count of possessing a bladed article.
Community Impact and Sentencing Ahead
The conviction brings a degree of closure to the legal process but cannot alleviate the profound grief and trauma experienced by the victims, their families, and the wider Hainault community. The loss of Daniel Anjorin is a particularly poignant tragedy that has resonated deeply.
Marcus Arduini Monzo is now facing sentencing for these grave offences. The severe nature of the crimes, particularly the murder of a child and the life-altering injuries inflicted on others, including a police officer, is expected to result in a significant custodial sentence. The sentencing hearing will determine the precise length of his imprisonment, reflecting the court’s judgment on the severity and impact of the unprovoked and deadly rampage.
The case has reignited discussions about mental health, drug use, and the challenge of preventing such extreme acts of violence in public spaces, issues that continue to pose complex questions for law enforcement and public safety officials.
