LONDON (AP) – A man armed with a samurai sword was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a 14-year-old boy in London during a violent rampage that also left five other people seriously injured. Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, was found guilty of the murder of Daniel Anjorin and several other charges, including three counts of attempted murder. The attack occurred on April 30, 2024, just as children were heading to school and people were beginning their workday.
During the sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Dr. Ebenezer Anjorin, Daniel's father, expressed the profound anguish his family has endured. “It has been the worst nightmare experience of our lives,” he said. “To have to go through the pain of losing a child in such a cruel and savage way. No family should have to go through this.”
Monzo's violent outburst began when he reportedly acted under the influence of drugs, which triggered a psychotic episode. Prosecutors detailed that the episode escalated after Monzo killed his cat, believing it was draining his energy. Following this, he took to the streets, driving a van which he used to ram into a pedestrian identified as security guard Donato Iwule. Monzo attacked Iwule with the samurai sword, slashing at his neck, but Iwule managed to escape.
Later, Monzo ambushed Anjorin outside his home, as the boy was wearing headphones and did not hear warnings from neighbors about the incoming threat. Monzo launched a brutal attack, nearly decapitating Daniel before stabbing him repeatedly as he lay on the ground. Eyewitness Aiste Dabasinskaite recounted witnessing the horrifying scene, stating, “It just happened right before our eyes; it was horrible.”
Upon the arrival of police officers, Monzo fled the scene, prompting a pursuit by Constable Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield. During the chase, Monzo attacked her, inflicting severe injuries that included a fractured skull and ongoing nerve damage. He then broke into a nearby home, startling a couple and their sleeping four-year-old daughter, and attacked the father, injuring him in the neck and arm.
Monzo's violent spree continued until he confronted Inspector Moloy Campbell, whom he struck with the sword. It was only when police utilized a stun gun that Monzo was subdued and arrested, bringing the chaotic scene to an end. The court described the day as one that turned a peaceful neighborhood into a scene of terror and brutality.
During the trial, jurors determined that Monzo was responsible for his actions, rejecting claims that his behavior resulted from an underlying mental health condition. Evidence presented included his history with drug use, particularly cannabis, which prosecutors argued was a catalyst for his violent actions. Monzo exhibited troubling interests in violence, conspiracy theories, and far-right extremism, which were highlighted during the proceedings.
Notably, Monzo had shown a disturbing inclination towards violent themes and shared vaccine misinformation online. He believed in conspiracy theories regarding significant events, such as the 9/11 attacks, and espoused bizarre beliefs, claiming that the Earth was flat and discussing his unconventional practices involving hallucinogenic substances.
This tragic case serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of violent behavior and the need for community awareness regarding mental health and substance abuse. The devastating impact on families and communities left in the wake of such violence cannot be overstated, emphasizing the importance of prevention and intervention strategies in safeguarding public safety.
