What began as an ordinary weekday morning in East London turned into a nightmare for residents of Hainault.
On April 30, 2024, a peaceful neighborhood was rocked by a horrific sword attack that claimed the life of a young schoolboy and left four others seriously injured.
The man behind the rampage, 37-year-old Marcus Monzo, has now been found guilty of murder and several other violent offences.
A Disturbing Fantasy Turned Deadly
Monzo, a Brazilian national and amateur musician, had slipped into a drug-fueled psychosis after consuming cannabis.
The court heard that he believed he was living out a scene from a violent Hollywood movie.
He imagined himself as a character from The Hunger Games or a trained assassin, stalking and attacking people at random.
Fueled by these delusions, he launched his savage spree just before 7am.
First Victim Mowed Down
His first target was 33-year-old Donald Iwule, who was on his way to work when Monzo deliberately drove a van into him.
Mr. Iwule was thrown into a nearby garden, injured and terrified.
CCTV footage captured him yelling, “I don’t know you,” as Monzo approached him with a 60cm samurai sword.
Monzo’s chilling reply: “I don’t care, I will kill you.”
Miraculously, Mr. Iwule managed to escape after suffering serious wounds.
The Tragic Death of Daniel Anjorin
Moments later, 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin was walking to school, completely unaware of the danger approaching from behind.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC described Monzo’s movements as that of a predator.
He raised the sword and brought it down on Daniel’s head and neck, killing him in an instant.
Witnesses were left in shock, and mobile footage captured the horror as one woman exclaimed, “He just killed that boy, right outside my house.”
Attack on a Brave Police Officer
As chaos unfolded, police quickly responded.
Officer Yasim Mechem-Whitfield bravely chased Monzo through alleyways.
During the pursuit, she was struck three times with the sword but continued her attempt to stop him.
Her courage—and that of other officers—helped prevent further tragedy.
Violence Spills Into a Family Home
Monzo then broke into a nearby house where a couple was asleep.
He violently attacked them in their bedroom.
What may have saved their lives was the sudden crying of their four-year-old daughter, which seemed to interrupt the assault.
The rampage finally ended in a garage area when police surrounded Monzo and brought him down with a taser.
Inside the Mind of the Attacker
Monzo later told officers that he felt like he had “switched personalities,” describing the events as if he were in a “game,” just like the movies.
He even claimed one of his personalities was a “professional assassin.”
A search of his van revealed another knife and a second sword, as well as disturbing evidence that he had previously used a knife on his pet cat.
Jury Rejects Mental Illness Defence
The defence argued that Monzo had a mental disorder that made him vulnerable to drug-induced psychosis.
However, forensic psychiatrist Professor Nigel Blackwood told the court that Monzo was aware of the risks and had chosen to keep using cannabis.
The jury agreed with the prosecution, concluding that Monzo’s actions were his responsibility.
A Grieving Community and a Call for Justice
The Crown Prosecution Service’s Kirsty O’Connor praised the verdict and reiterated that Monzo’s own choices led to the tragedy.
She extended heartfelt sympathies to Daniel’s family and commended the officers and emergency workers who acted bravely under terrifying conditions.
Heroes Among Us
Special recognition was given to Pc Mechem-Whitfield, Pc King, and Inspector Campbell, among others, who faced unimaginable danger that day.
Their swift and fearless actions undoubtedly saved lives, and their bravery continues to be a source of strength for the shaken community.
What’s Next?
Marcus Monzo now awaits sentencing.
As the community mourns the loss of Daniel Anjorin and supports those still recovering from the traumatic events of that morning, the case serves as a sobering reminder of how devastating drug misuse and untreated psychosis can be.
Authorities continue to call for better mental health awareness and stricter controls around harmful substances.