Hainault Sword Killer Convicted of Murdering Teenage Boy and Attacking Police Officers
A man who carried out a brutal sword rampage in Hainault, killing 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin and seriously injuring two police officers and several civilians, has been convicted of murder and multiple other offences at the Old Bailey.
Marcos Arduini-Monzo, 37, of Satanita Close, Canning Town, was today found guilty of seven charges following a three-week trial:
- Murder of Daniel Anjorin
- Three counts of attempted murder
- Grievous bodily harm
- Aggravated burglary
- Possession of an offensive weapon
Timeline of a 22-Minute Rampage
The attacks unfolded in Hainault on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, starting at 6:45am when Monzo deliberately drove his van into a 33-year-old man, catapulting him into a garden. He then slashed the man in the neck with a Samurai sword.
At 7:00am, Daniel Anjorin, dressed in his school PE kit, walking with his headphones on, was ambushed from behind on his way to school and fatally struck. His backpack was later found in Monzo’s van.
Moments later, PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield arrived on scene. Body-worn camera footage showed her bravely chasing Monzo with a Taser, before he attacked her with the sword, causing life-changing injuries, including a fractured skull and severe nerve damage.
Monzo then broke into a nearby home, where a couple and their young child were sleeping. He attacked the father before fleeing into the street, where he was Tasered and arrested by officers within 22 minutes of the first call.
Chief Superintendent: “He Set Out to Kill”
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, speaking outside court, said:
“First in our thoughts is Daniel Anjorin – a talented, bright young man, brutally murdered simply walking to school. Monzo set out that morning under the influence of cannabis, with a clear intention to kill. His attack on Daniel was cowardly and brutal.”
He added:
“Our officers and paramedics arrived within minutes. Their bravery undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. PC Mechem-Whitfield and Inspector Moloy Campbell were seriously injured. These officers are a credit to the Met.”
Monzo had earlier admitted possession of two swords – a Katana and a Tanto Katana – at a previous hearing.
Forensic and Digital Evidence
The Metropolitan Police forensically examined six crime scenes, including Monzo’s van and his home in Canning Town. Inside, they found cannabis, air pistols, and multiple mobile phones.
The defence claimed Monzo suffered from drug-induced psychosis mimicking schizophrenia, triggered by heavy cannabis use. Prosecutors successfully argued that his mental state was self-induced, enabling a murder conviction rather than manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility.
Sentencing
Marcos Arduini-Monzo will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 27 June 2025..
