Marcus Arduini-Monzo, a 37-year-old dual national, has been found guilty of murdering 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, a British-Nigerian schoolboy, in a vicious sword attack in Hainault, northeast London.
On April 30, 2024, Arduini-Monzo went on a violent rampage while under the influence of cannabis-induced psychosis. Armed with a 60cm samurai sword, he fatally stabbed Daniel just meters from his home and injured four others, including a pedestrian and a man inside his residence. Witnesses reported the attacker laughing and screaming "in delight" after the killing.
The Old Bailey jury convicted Arduini-Monzo of murder, three counts of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and possessing an offensive weapon. Prosecutor Tom Little KC described the 20-minute spree as "miraculous" that more lives weren’t lost.
Daniel’s heartbroken parents, in a statement, called their son "the most loved and amazing son" and expressed their struggle to cope with his loss.
Arduini-Monzo, a former Amazon delivery driver, claimed no memory of the attack, blaming drug use and psychosis. However, prosecutors argued his condition was self-induced, not a legal defense. Disturbingly, he compared the violence to The Hunger Games, called himself a "professional assassin," and had previously killed his pet cat.
Investigations revealed his online ties to extremism, conspiracy theories, and far-right ideologies, including admiration for Andrew Tate and Adolf Hitler. He also held bizarre beliefs, such as flat Earth theory and 9/11 conspiracy claims.
Originally from Brazil, Arduini-Monzo moved to the UK in 2013. After a martial arts career ended due to injury, he turned to yoga and spirituality, though acquaintances described him as isolated and "a bit different."
The Crown Prosecution Service praised the bravery of police officers who stopped the attack, preventing further casualties. Arduini-Monzo will be sentenced on June 27.
... The Guardian UK contributed to this report.
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