Tragedy in London: Spanish-Brazilian Man Found Guilty of Brutally Killing British-Nigerian Boy Daniel Anjorin
In a case that has shocked both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, 37-year-old Marcus Arduini Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian national, has been convicted of the brutal murder of a 14-year-old British-Nigerian schoolboy, Daniel Anjorin, during a horrifying rampage through the streets of Hainault, northeast London.
The horrifying incident, which occurred on April 30, 2024, lasted approximately 20 minutes and involved a series of indiscriminate and violent attacks. Monzo’s actions have since been described by witnesses, the prosecution, and the public as a bloodthirsty spree with the intent to kill as many people as possible.
Guilty Verdict Delivered at the Old Bailey
After a thorough trial at London’s Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, the jury reached a guilty verdict on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Monzo was found guilty of murder, three counts of attempted murder, one count of grievous bodily harm (GBH), aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.
The court heard chilling details of how Monzo, who had trained in Brazilian jiu jitsu and held a blue belt, embarked on a rampage with a samurai sword, causing terror and devastation in the residential community of Hainault.
Daniel Anjorin: A Promising Life Cut Short
Among Monzo’s victims was Daniel Anjorin, a quiet, well-loved 14-year-old of British-Nigerian descent. Daniel was on his way to school, wearing headphones, completely unaware that he was walking into the path of a violent killer.
Without warning, Monzo approached Daniel from behind and delivered a "devastating and unsurvivable" blow with a 60cm-long samurai sword. The impact struck the side of Daniel’s face and neck. He died instantly. Witnesses described the attack as shocking and senseless.
One of the most chilling moments described during the trial was how Monzo reacted after the killing. Witness Maria Olmos testified that Monzo “dropped to his knees with both arms raised” and let out a scream—not of pain, but of delight. She said:
“It wasn’t a scream of pain, it was a scream of delight – my interpretation was he was celebrating.”
This disturbing behavior left a lasting impression on everyone in the courtroom, including Daniel’s devastated family, who attended the trial every day and had to endure the emotional trauma of seeing CCTV footage and police bodycam videos that captured the rampage.
In a heartbreaking statement, Daniel’s parents paid tribute to their son, describing the unimaginable pain of losing him. They said:
"It is difficult for us at this time to process what has happened to him and that he will never come home."
"Daniel had left the house for school and then he was gone."
“Our children have lost their loving and precious brother and we have lost the most loved and amazing son.”
The Hainault Sword Attack: A 20-Minute Reign of Terror
The attack began when Monzo drove his grey Ford Transit van into Donato Iwule, launching him into a nearby garden and crashing the vehicle into a fence. After that, Monzo got out of the van and struck Iwule in the neck with the sword before fleeing the scene.
Next, Monzo spotted Daniel walking along the street and launched the deadly assault that ended the boy’s life.
After killing Daniel, Monzo continued his rampage, attacking two police officers and breaking into a couple’s home, where he confronted them in their bedroom—while their young daughter slept nearby. In that terrifying encounter, Monzo asked them if they “believe in God” before fleeing again.
One of the officers, PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield, was struck three times with extreme force. The court heard that she sustained serious injuries but survived.
Monzo was finally confronted by Inspector Molloy Campbell, who received a slash wound to his hand during the attempt to restrain the attacker. Monzo then climbed onto the roof of a garage before he was eventually arrested by backup officers.
A False Persona and Disturbing Claims
Following his arrest, Monzo made a series of bizarre and disturbing claims. He likened his rampage to the Hollywood film The Hunger Games and said that “something happened, like a game happening”, as though he had entered an alternate reality. He further described himself as a “professional assassin” and claimed to have a split personality.
In his testimony, Monzo claimed he had no memory of the attacks and suggested that his mental state had diminished his responsibility. He said he had consumed ayahuasca, a South American hallucinogenic tea, known for its intense psychedelic effects. However, toxicology reports found no trace of DMT, the active drug in ayahuasca, in his system.
Prosecutors argued that any psychosis he may have experienced was self-induced and could not be used as a defense for murder. They emphasized that deliberate intoxication, even with mind-altering substances, does not excuse criminal behavior.
The court also heard how, after being detained at Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital, Monzo had reenacted the stabbing motions while chatting casually about "killing films" with a staff member, further undermining his mental health defense.
A Life Sentence Awaits
He was, however, acquitted of one count of attempted murder involving another victim, Henry De Los Rios Polania, but found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in that case.
Monzo had previously admitted to possessing the samurai sword used in the murder and a katana sword found inside his van. The court confirmed that both weapons were involved in the attacks.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday at the Old Bailey, where he is expected to receive a life sentence, possibly without the chance of parole.
Who Is Marcus Arduini Monzo?
Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian immigrant, moved to the UK in 2013 after reportedly experiencing a difficult childhood in Brazil. He said he had been bullied growing up and turned to mixed martial arts (MMA) as an outlet. After suffering an injury in 2016, he transitioned into spiritual practices like yoga and began following a YouTube guru.
He also spent time at a retreat in India, during which he started experimenting with psychedelics and developing unusual beliefs about reality, the supernatural, and violence. Despite this spiritual journey, he turned into one of the UK’s most dangerous and violent offenders.
Conclusion: A Nation Mourns a Bright Young Life Lost
The senseless killing of Daniel Anjorin has left an emotional scar across both the UK and Nigeria, where Daniel’s family has roots. His murder serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by untreated mental illness, violent ideologies, and easy access to deadly weapons.
As Nigeria continues to mourn the loss of one of its sons abroad, communities across London and beyond are calling for stricter measures to prevent similar attacks, including better mental health interventions, weapon control, and public safety protections.
NaijaRush will continue to follow the sentencing and bring you updates as this tragic case reaches its final chapter.
