Man guilty of schoolboy's murder during sword rampage
Daniel Anjorin, 14, died in Hainault in April 2024
Last updated 25th Jun 2025
A martial arts enthusiast has been found guilty**** of murdering 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel Anjorin.
Witnesses described, Marcus Arduini Monzo, a former Amazon delivery driver, screaming "in delight" and smiling after mortally wounding Daniel, who had been walking to school in his PE kit.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC told jurors it was "miraculous" that more people weren't killed as Monzo slashed and chopped at whoever he came across over 20 minutes.
A jury also convicted him of three counts of attempted murder, wounding with intent, aggravated burglary, and possessing a bladed article.
He was cleared of one count of attempted murder but found guilty of the lesser offence of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The 37 year old killed his cat before going on a sword rampage
Monzo had killed and skinned his pet cat Wizard before he ran amok in Hainault, north-east London, on April 30 last year.
As well as killing Daniel, Monzo, who had a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, also attacked a pedestrian, two police officers and a couple in their own home before he was arrested by police.
Afterwards, Monzo likened events to the Hollywood film The Hunger Games and claimed to have an alternative persona of a "professional assassin".
Giving evidence at his trial, he said he had no memory of what happened and claimed his mental state had diminished his responsibility for the crimes.
However, the prosecution argued that psychosis brought on by self-induced intoxication was no defence for murder.
Monzo, who showed no emotion as the verdicts were read out, previously admitted having the samurai sword used to kill Daniel and a katana sword found in his van.
Daniel's parents had sat in court throughout the trial when harrowing CCTV and police body worn video had been played.
The court had heard how Monzo launched the series of attacks by driving his grey Ford Transit van into Donato Iwule, who was "catapulted" into a nearby garden before the vehicle smashed into a concrete pillar and fence.
He went on to hit Mr Iwule in the neck with his sword before running away, the court was told.
He then virtually decapitated Daniel, who was wearing headphones on his way to school, jurors heard.
Pc Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield was hit three times with the 60cm long blade with "extreme force" as she chased Monzo through alleyways and residential properties.
Next he entered a property and attacked a couple who were sleeping in an upstairs bedroom with their young daughter nearby.
Monzo demanded to know if they "believe in God" before he left the property.
Inspector Molloy Campbell tried to detain Monzo in a car park and received a slash wound to his hand.
The defendant then climbed on to the roof of a garage before he was finally apprehended.
Following his arrest, Monzo claimed his personality had switched and that "something happened, like a game happening".
The 37-year-old had previously admitted carrying two samurai swords but denied all other charges.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads policing in the East Area where this incident happened, said outside court this afternoon:
“The horrific events on 30 April last year in Hainault sent shockwaves through our community and had a devastating and lasting impact on so many.
“First in our thoughts is Daniel Anjorin - a talented, gentle, bright young man. A much-loved son and brother, brutally murdered simply walking to school at what should have been the start of a normal day at the start of a promising life.
“Marcus Monzo set out that morning under the influence of cannabis, with a clear intention to kill a number of people.
“It didn’t matter who they were and sadly, he targeted Daniel in a cowardly and brutal attack.
“A number of other local people were also attacked, seriously injured and threatened that day – and I would like to acknowledge their bravery and resilience in giving evidence in this case.
”As we heard in court, police officers and paramedics were on the scene within minutes of Monzo assaulting Daniel.
“I am in no doubt that the actions of those officers who arrived to pursue and attempt to detain Monzo saved lives and prevented more harm.
“I commend them for their extraordinary bravery – some setting out to deal with that call before their shift had even begun.
“PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield bravely pursued Monzo through a series of alleyways while he was armed with a sword.
“The injuries Monzo inflicted on her were brutal and life-changing.
“Inspector Moloy Campbell was also seriously injured while attempting to detain Monzo.
“These officers are a credit to the Metropolitan Police Service and we continue to support them during their recovery.
“Many officers on scene that day put their lives on the line and put their duty to protect others above their own personal safety.
“This is what our police officers do every day and they deserve our respect and admiration – we should never take this for granted.
“This has been an incredibly complex investigation and our detectives have been meticulous, compassionate and professional throughout.
“We thank the witnesses who were no doubt terrified by the harrowing scenes and who have made a vital contribution to our investigation.
“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to pay my respects to Daniel’s family.
“There are no words, really, to express how sorry we are for your loss or how much admiration we have for your courage and dignity.
“It is hard to comprehend the unimaginable pain that you must have suffered in the last year.
“I can only hope today’s verdict brings some semblance of justice and relief, and you are now able to grieve in some peace.
“Our thoughts remain with all those who have been impacted by this terrible incident.”
Monzo will be sentenced on Friday at the Old Bailey.