Spanish-Brazilian Faces Life Sentence for Brutal Murder of British-Nigerian Teen Daniel Anjorin in London Rampage

Marcus Monzo, a 37-year-old Spanish-Brazilian, has been found guilty of murdering 14-year-old British-Nigerian schoolboy Daniel Anjorin in a horrifying spree of random violence in northeast London.

A jury at London’s Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey) convicted Monzo on Wednesday of murder, three counts of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.

The court heard that Monzo launched a series of indiscriminate attacks on April 30, 2023, in the Hainault area, attempting to kill as many people as possible in a violent 20-minute rampage. He fatally attacked Daniel from behind, striking him with a “devastating and unsurvivable” blow to the face and neck with a samurai sword. Witnesses described Monzo dropping to his knees and screaming in apparent delight after the killing.

Daniel’s grieving parents, who sat through the harrowing trial, paid tribute to their “beloved son” and “loving and precious brother,” saying: “Daniel had left the house for school, and then he was gone. We have lost the most loved and amazing son.”

In addition to killing Daniel, Monzo also attacked a pedestrian, two police officers, and a couple in their home. The attacker, who practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu and had trained in mixed martial arts, used both a samurai sword and a katana during the spree.

At trial, Monzo claimed he had no memory of the attacks and blamed his actions on a mental breakdown induced by drinking ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew. However, no traces of DMT—the active drug in ayahuasca—were found in his system. Prosecutors argued that his alleged psychosis was brought on by self-induced intoxication, which did not excuse his actions.

The court also heard disturbing evidence of Monzo reenacting stabbing motions and discussing violent films while in a secure psychiatric facility. Despite claiming a spiritual transformation and alternate persona, the jury rejected his defence.

Monzo was also convicted of wounding with intent in the case of one victim, having been cleared of attempted murder in that instance. He showed no emotion as the verdicts were read.

His sentencing is scheduled for Friday at the Old Bailey.