London, UK – A man armed with two samurai swords has been convicted of murder and multiple other serious charges following a violent rampage in the Hainault area of northeast/east London that resulted in the death of 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel Anjorin.
Marcus Arduini Monzo, a 37-year-old man holding dual Spanish and Brazilian citizenship, was found guilty on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at London’s Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey. The conviction brings a legal conclusion to a terrifying 20-minute sequence of events that unfolded in April 2024, plunging a quiet suburban community into chaos and fear.
The Horrific Events of April 2024
The incident began when Monzo struck a pedestrian with his van. The situation escalated rapidly as Monzo exited the vehicle, armed with the two samurai swords. He proceeded to threaten to kill the initial victim before slashing their neck, causing serious injury. This brutal attack marked the commencement of a spree of violence across the Hainault neighbourhood.
T tragically, the rampage continued when Monzo encountered Daniel Anjorin. The young schoolboy became an innocent victim of the unprovoked assault, ambushed by Monzo.
Beyond the fatal attack on Daniel and the initial assault on the pedestrian, Monzo also attacked several other individuals during his violent spree. This included two dedicated police officers responding to the unfolding crisis, both of whom sustained injuries while attempting to apprehend the armed assailant and protect the public.
Monzo admitted to carrying the two samurai swords, the weapons central to the attacks. However, he denied the other charges brought against him initially.
The Trial at the Old Bailey
The trial at London’s Central Criminal Court examined the full scope of Monzo’s actions and his state of mind during the attacks. The prosecution presented evidence detailing the sequence of events, the severity of the injuries inflicted, and the terror experienced by victims and witnesses.
The charges Monzo faced reflected the range of his violence. The jury was tasked with considering evidence related to Daniel Anjorin’s murder, as well as three counts of attempted murder stemming from his attacks on other individuals. He also faced a charge of grievous bodily harm, likely related to the initial van victim or another injured party, one count of aggravated burglary, and one count of possessing a bladed article in public – the latter aligning with his admission of carrying the swords.
A significant point of contention during the trial revolved around Monzo’s mental state. The prosecution argued that his actions, while horrific, were the result of a psychotic episode, which they contended was triggered by drug use. This argument sought to provide context for the seemingly random and extreme violence, but crucially, did not absolve him of responsibility under the law.
Jury Verdicts and Responsibility
After considering all the evidence, the jury delivered its verdicts on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. They found Marcus Arduini Monzo guilty of the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin.
In addition to the murder conviction, the jury also found him guilty of the three counts of attempted murder, the count of grievous bodily harm, and the count of aggravated burglary. The guilty verdict on the charge of possessing a bladed article confirmed his admitted carrying of the weapons.
Crucially, the court ultimately found Monzo fully responsible for his actions, rejecting any defence arguments that might have sought to diminish his culpability based on mental state, despite the prosecution’s framing of the episode.
Kirsty O’Connor from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) commented on the outcome, stating that the jury’s verdicts confirmed Monzo’s full responsibility for the devastating crimes committed. Her statement underscored the legal finding that Monzo was accountable for the death of Daniel Anjorin and the injuries inflicted upon others.
Community Impact and Legal Outcome
The conviction marks a significant step towards justice for Daniel Anjorin, his family, and the other victims of the Hainault attack. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community and highlighted concerns about knife and sword crime in the capital.
The verdicts mean Marcus Arduini Monzo faces a substantial prison sentence for his crimes, the details of which will be determined at a later sentencing hearing. The severity of the charges, particularly murder and multiple attempted murders, indicates a lengthy period of incarceration is inevitable.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the complexities involved in prosecuting such brutal acts, even when mental health factors are raised. The court’s finding of full responsibility ensures that accountability has been delivered through the legal process for the lives shattered by the April 2024 rampage.
