By Charles Maduka
A Spanish-Brazilian man, Marcus Monzo, has been found guilty of murdering 14-year-old British-Nigerian student, Daniel Anjorin, during a brutal sword attack in London that left several others injured.
The Old Bailey jury on Wednesday convicted 37-year-old Monzo of murder, three counts of attempted murder, one count of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article. He now faces a possible life sentence.
The violent rampage occurred on April 30, 2024, in Hainault, northeast London, where Monzo, armed with a samurai sword, launched indiscriminate attacks that lasted 20 minutes. According to prosecutors, he intended to kill as many people as possible.
Daniel was walking to school wearing headphones when Monzo approached him from behind and delivered a fatal blow to his face and neck. Witnesses said Monzo dropped to his knees and screamed in apparent celebration after the killing.
The teenager’s devastated parents, who attended the trial, described Daniel as a beloved son and a “loving and precious brother,” expressing deep sorrow over his loss. “Daniel had left the house for school, and then he was gone,” the grieving parents said in a statement.
Beyond the murder of Daniel, Monzo also attacked a pedestrian, two police officers, and a couple sleeping in their home with a child nearby. He reportedly asked the couple if they believed in God before leaving their property. Police officers who tried to stop him were met with extreme violence, including a 60cm blade attack that left one officer with severe injuries.
The court heard that Monzo, who previously held a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, claimed he had no memory of the incident. He blamed a mental breakdown allegedly triggered by hallucinogenic tea known as ayahuasca. However, prosecutors rejected the insanity defense, noting no traces of the psychoactive substance were found in his system.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Monzo idolized violence, often referencing action films. In custody, he re-enacted stabbing motions and compared his attacks to scenes from The Hunger Games.
Following his arrest, Monzo admitted to possessing both the samurai sword used in the attack and a katana sword found in his vehicle. He was cleared of one attempted murder count but convicted of the lesser charge of wounding with intent.
Monzo is expected to be sentenced on Friday at the Old Bailey. The shocking case has stirred public debate about violent crime, mental health, and the rising concerns around access to bladed weapons in the UK.
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