A man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 14-year-old boy and trying to kill four others during a brutal 20-minute sword rampage in northeast London.
Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, appeared at the Old Bailey today where he denied killing schoolboy Daniel Anjorin, who was virtually decapitated in the attack last April in Hainault.
‘Loved and amazing’ boy killed on his way to school
Daniel, a pupil at Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green, was walking to school when he was attacked from behind and fatally slashed in the neck and chest.
His devastated family later described him as a “lovely and amazing son” and said they were struggling to come to terms with the loss. “Daniel had left the house for school and then he was gone,” they said in a heartbreaking tribute.
Bancroft’s also honoured his memory, describing him as a “true scholar” whose “positive nature and gentle character will leave a lasting impact.”
Rampage left multiple people injured
Prosecutors allege Monzo began the rampage by crashing a van into a fence, hitting Donato Iwule. He is said to have then attacked Daniel as the teenager lay on the ground before turning on police officers arriving at the scene.
PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield was reportedly ambushed from a bush and suffered “significant injuries”. Monzo is further accused of stabbing Inspector Moloy Campbell during efforts to restrain him.
He allegedly entered the home of Henry De Los Rios Polania and Sindy Arias while they slept and launched further attacks.
Suspect admits possessing deadly swords
Monzo, from Newham, east London, denied Daniel’s murder and the attempted murders of four others. He also pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a kitchen knife.
However, he admitted having two offensive weapons — a katana sword and a tanto katana sword — during the terrifying spree.
Trial set for June
Monzo is due to stand trial on June 3 at the Old Bailey.
Daniel’s death sent shockwaves through the local community, where floral tributes and messages of grief poured in following the shocking events.
The case remains one of the most disturbing violent incidents in London in recent years, and the trial is expected to draw widespread attention.
