Killer Marcus Monzo Jailed for Life After Brutal Sword Attack That Claimed Life of 14-Year-Old Daniel Anjorin
A man who launched a violent, psychotic rampage with a samurai sword in Hainault, East London—leaving a teenage boy virtually decapitated and injuring five others—has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 40 years.
“The Worst Nightmare”: Father of Daniel Anjorin Speaks Out
Marcus Monzo, 37, was convicted at the Old Bailey of the murder of Daniel Anjorin, 14, who was fatally slashed from behind as he walked to school on 30 April 2024. Daniel, wearing his school sports kit, was virtually decapitated in the savage and unprovoked attack.
In a powerful victim impact statement, Daniel’s father, Dr Ebenezer Anjorin, described the horror of discovering his son’s lifeless body:
“He was lying in a pool of blood and had a deep cut to his face running from the side of his mouth to the back of his neck. He was motionless. I knew at once that he was dead, but I reached down, called his name and held his head.”
Dr Anjorin added:
“We will not see him get married or have children. All the normal things parents hope for their children… It has been the worst nightmare experience of our lives.”
Life Sentence for “Savage” Killing Spree
Mr Justice Bennathan, sentencing Monzo, described the killing as “cruel and savage”, praising the “exemplary courage” of officers who risked their lives to stop him.
“No sentence can begin to temper the grief of Daniel’s family,” the judge said, acknowledging Dr Anjorin’s “calm dignified” presence throughout the trial.
Monzo was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for Daniel’s murder, and received concurrent sentences for the attempted murders of Donato Iwule, Sindy Arias, and PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield, as well as wounding Inspector Moloy Campbell and Henry De Los Rios Polania, aggravated burglary, and weapon offences.
Trail of Terror Across Hainault
Monzo’s attacks unfolded in a 22-minute spree:
- He first rammed Donato Iwule with his van, before attacking him with a sword.
- Monzo then slashed Daniel Anjorin from behind, causing unsurvivable injuries.
- As police arrived, PC Mechem-Whitfield pursued him and was severely injured in a sword attack.
- He then broke into a family home and attacked Mr De Los Rios Polania while his partner and young child were present.
- He was finally cornered by Inspector Campbell, who was slashed before Monzo was Tasered and arrested.
Psychotic Episode Linked to Cannabis
The court heard Monzo had become psychotic after chronic cannabis use. Prior to the attack, he had killed and skinned his pet cat and posted extremist content on social media, referencing far-right ideology and misogynistic views. He told police the attacks were like “The Hunger Games” and described himself as a “professional assassin”.
He was found guilty of murder, attempted murder, wounding with intent, aggravated burglary, and possession of bladed articles—including the samurai sword used in the killing and a katana sword found in his van.
Remembering Daniel
Daniel Anjorin was described as a bright, academically gifted teenager with a passion for music and sports. His death sparked nationwide outpourings of grief and calls for tighter regulation on bladed weapons.
