Key Points:
- Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, has denied murdering 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin.
- The incident occurred during an alleged 20-minute sword attack in Hainault, east London.
- Daniel Anjorin was walking to school when he was attacked.
- Monzo also denies four counts of attempted murder and one count of wounding with intent.
- He admitted two counts of possessing offensive weapons: a katana and a tanto katana.
- The case was heard at the Old Bailey.
A 37-year-old man has denied murdering 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin during a brutal sword attack in east London that also left four others injured, a court has heard.
What happened during the alleged attack in Hainault?
Marcus Arduini Monzo is accused of carrying out a 20-minute rampage on April 30 last year in Hainault, north-east London. According to prosecutors, Monzo ran up behind Daniel Anjorin as the teenager walked to school and attacked him with a sword, slashing him in the chest and neck.
Daniel’s injuries were described as severe, with the court hearing he was virtually decapitated. Floral tributes have since been laid in his memory at the end of Laing Close in Hainault.
Who else was injured in the attack?
In addition to the charge of Daniel Anjorin’s murder, Monzo is accused of attempting to murder four other individuals: Donato Iwule, Sindy Arias, Henry De Los Rios Polania, and PC Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield. He also faces a charge of wounding Inspector Moloy Campbell with intent.
What charges has Marcus Arduini Monzo admitted?
At a hearing held at the Old Bailey on Friday, Monzo pleaded not guilty to eight of the ten charges he faces. However, he admitted two counts of possessing offensive weapons: a katana sword and a tanto katana sword.
Appearing in court wearing a green jumper, the bearded defendant spoke to confirm his name and enter his pleas. He is a resident of Newham, east London.
What is the status of the case?
The investigation continues, and the legal proceedings are ongoing. The case has drawn public attention due to the extreme nature of the violence and the young age of the victim.
Monzo remains in custody as he awaits trial.
