Hainault Sword Attacker Convicted of Murdering Schoolboy and Attacking Four Others
A man who carried out a horrific sword attack in Hainault, killing a 14-year-old boy and seriously injuring four others during a violent rampage, has been convicted of murder and multiple other offences at the Old Bailey.
Marcos Arduini-Monzo, 37, was today found guilty of murder, three counts of attempted murder, aggravated burglary, two counts of wounding with intent, and possession of a bladed article, following a trial that examined the events of 30 April 2024.
The unprovoked attacks, which took place in the early hours of the morning, claimed the life of Daniel Anjorin, a teenage schoolboy who was walking to school when he was ambushed and fatally wounded by Arduini-Monzo.
Drug-Induced Psychosis
Prosecutors argued that Arduini-Monzo’s actions were the result of a drug-induced psychotic episode, fuelled by excessive cannabis use, rather than a recognised mental illness such as schizophrenia.
Kirsty O’Connor from the Crown Prosecution Service said:
“The CPS maintained throughout that Arduini-Monzo’s mental state was driven by his own cannabis misuse which meant that he was fully responsible for the devastation he caused. The jury, by their unequivocal verdicts, have accepted the prosecution case.”
“Our hearts go out to Daniel Anjorin’s family and friends who have suffered his unimaginable loss in horrific circumstances, and our thoughts remain with all of the victims who continue to recover from their injuries and trauma.”
The Attacks
The violence unfolded over just 20 minutes, starting around 7am, when Arduini-Monzo deliberately drove into his first victim, then attacked him with a sword.
He then encountered Daniel Anjorin, who was walking to school in his sports kit. The 14-year-old was fatally struck with the sword in a vicious and sudden attack.
As paramedics arrived, Arduini-Monzo attacked the ambulance with his weapon, preventing them from reaching Daniel.
He then went on to attack a female police officer, causing severe injuries, and broke into a family home, where he assaulted a sleeping couple while their four-year-old child was present.
Finally, he injured another police officer during a confrontation in a garage block, before being disarmed and arrested by officers.
Police Praised for Bravery
The CPS and senior prosecutors paid tribute to the emergency responders who put themselves in danger to stop the attacks.
“The courage shown by PC Mechem-Whitfield, PC King, Inspector Campbell and others… was exceptional and undoubtedly prevented further loss of life,” said O’Connor.
“We all owe them a debt of gratitude.”
CPS: Not Diminished Responsibility
Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal explained that the conviction hinged on proving the psychosis was self-induced by cannabis misuse.
“By proving Arduini-Monzo’s psychosis was the result of his own actions, our prosecutors could bring charges of murder, as opposed to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.”
Sentencing
Arduini-Monzo will be sentenced on Friday, 27 June at the Old Bailey.
