Man accused of murdering 14-year-old boy with samurai sword remanded in custody
A 36-year-old man who has been charged with the murder of a 14-year-old boy in a sword rampage in Hainault has been remanded in custody.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, who is a dual Spanish and Brazilian national, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being charged with the murder of Daniel Anjorin.
Daniel was walking to school when he was stabbed along with four other people who all suffered significant injuries.
Monzo has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.
He has been accused of crashing his van into a fence in Laing Close just before 7am on Tuesday and then attacking two members of the public with a sword.
The court was told that he then got out of the van, said that he would kill the man and slashed him to the neck.
Prosecutor David Burns told the court that 15 minutes later it is alleged Monzo broke into a nearby home where a couple were asleep with their four-year-old daughter.
He went into the bedroom and attacked the child’s father, shouting about believing in God and causing injuries to his neck and arm, it is alleged.
Monzo is accused of then running up behind Daniel Anjorin, 14, who was walking to school, and slashing his neck, before stabbing him in the chest as he lay on the ground.
It is alleged he then killed Daniel before seriously injuring two police officers as they tried to stop him, one of whom nearly lost her hand.
Monzo was charged last night after he was initially taken to hospital, meaning officers were unable to interview him straight away.
He goes by the named FreekingMark on social media, and has posted images of himself smiling and doing a thumbs-up after winning medals in a competition.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Marcus Arduini Monzo with the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who was fatally stabbed in Hainault on Tuesday April 30.
‘A further four people – including two police officers – were seriously injured.
‘Our thoughts remain firmly with the family of the Daniel and all those who have been impacted by this horrific incident.’
The boy’s family told Sky News he was ‘a wonderful child’ who was ‘well loved’ and ‘hard working’, adding that his death ‘leaves a gaping wound in the family’.
‘No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today,’ they told the broadcaster.
‘Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.’
Daniel attended Bancroft’s school in Woodford Green, were staff and pupils have been left ‘in profound shock and sorrow’.
A statement from the school read: ‘We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of the death of Daniel Anjorin, who attended our school. This has left us in profound shock and sorrow.
‘Daniel joined Bancroft’s at seven years old and quickly became a core member of our community.
‘He was a true scholar, demonstrating commendable dedication to his academic pursuits.
‘His positive nature and gentle character will leave a lasting impact on us.’
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the schoolboy was unknown to the attacker.
In a statement, the force gave further details of how the sword attack unfolded saying: ‘We know that a 33-year-old man was struck when the suspect crashed his van into the property in Laing Close. He was then attacked by the suspect and suffered a wound to his neck.
‘A 35-year-old man suffered lacerations to his arm when he was attacked inside a nearby property.
‘The suspect then went on to attack Daniel Anjorin who, as we know, tragically died from his injuries.
‘Officers arrived at the scene within 12 minutes of the first call. They used their Pava incapacitant spray and Taser, however these had limited impact.
‘Two officers were subsequently attacked by the suspect, causing serious injuries. They will require long-term rehabilitation to help them recover.
‘The suspect fled again before being surrounded by other officers in Thurlow Gardens. They used Taser to overpower him.’
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