Schoolboy Dead
What started as an ordinary morning in East London turned into a nightmare that still haunts the community of Hainault.
At the centre of the horror is 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who was tragically killed in a brutal sword attack while walking to school.
As the murder trial continues at the Old Bailey, jurors were shown disturbing footage of what unfolded that day.
Schoolboy Killed During Shocking Morning Rampage
Daniel Anjorin never made it to school on April 30, 2024.
The teenager was the first victim in what prosecutors describe as a 20-minute “rampage” carried out by 36-year-old Marcus Monzo.
The court heard that Monzo first struck a man named Donato Iwule with his van before attacking him with a samurai sword.
After that, Monzo continued through the residential neighbourhood, leaving devastation in his wake.
He broke into the home of Sindy Arias and Henry De Los Rios Polina and violently attacked them in front of their terrified four-year-old child.
Police Footage Shows Monzo Confronting Officers With Sword
In court, the jury watched footage captured on police body cameras.
It showed Monzo holding a sword while standing over a body.
As officers rushed to help a victim, Monzo refused to drop the weapon, instead asking chilling questions like, “Do you believe in God?” and repeating the question as officers tried to disarm him.
Despite repeated shouts from police to put the weapon down, Monzo fled through nearby gardens.
The bodycam then captured the terrifying moment he lunged at officers with the sword.
One officer yelled, “Police officer stabbed!” after being struck.
Another officer was also attacked, suffering an arm injury while trying to block the blade with a baton.
Chaos in the Neighbourhood as Officers Yell for Doors to Be Locked
As Monzo continued to evade arrest, he climbed onto rooftops and tried to enter more homes.
Police were heard warning residents, “Lock your doors, everyone lock your doors!”
Eventually, the footage showed officers managing to taser Monzo in a garden.
They then handcuffed him and secured the area.
Inspector Describes Intense Struggle and “Frightening” Encounter
Inspector Moloy Campbell took the stand to describe the moment he decided to confront Monzo directly.
He said his priority was to protect fellow officers and try to arrest the suspect safely.
But when his PAVA spray failed to stop Monzo, the officer was forced to defend himself with a baton.
“He slashed at me with that huge sword,” Campbell told the court.
“He hit my hand and even my body-worn camera.”
The attack left him bleeding and retreating to avoid being cornered.
“It was frightening,” he admitted, “but I knew I had to try to help.”
Pathologist Confirms Daniel’s Injuries Were “Unsurvivable”
Forensic pathologist Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl provided grim confirmation: Daniel’s wounds were so severe, he would not have survived even with immediate medical help.
The details brought a solemn silence to the courtroom as jurors listened to the extent of the teen’s injuries.
Accused Had Disturbing Beliefs and Behaviours, Court Hears
The court also heard disturbing details about Monzo’s mental state and beliefs.
Originally from Brazil, Monzo allegedly told people he was a fan of Elon Musk, believed the Earth was flat, and claimed the Pope was an evil lizard.
In another chilling revelation, it was said that Monzo had previously skinned and deboned his pet cat, Wizard.
Monzo Made 999 Call While Attacking Victims
Perhaps most disturbing was the 999 call jurors heard, made by Monzo himself during the rampage.
Despite the emergency operator trying to get information, Monzo was heard instead questioning victims and officers: “Do you believe in God? Just tell me now.”
At one point, he came to the phone and eerily said, “Hi, I need people who believe in God, the same as me. I promise my life to God and I’m ready.”
The operator begged him not to hurt anyone else.
But the call continued as Monzo attacked a police officer and then entered the bedroom of the couple he had broken in on.
Trial Continues With Monzo Denying All Charges
Monzo faces one count of murder and four counts of attempted murder.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
As the trial continues, more evidence and testimonies are expected to unfold in what has already proven to be a deeply unsettling case for jurors and the public alike.