Life Sentence for Man Who Committed Samurai Sword Attack in London

Marcos Arduini Monzo was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years after his 20-minute spree of violence left a young boy dead and numerous others injured, with his actions reportedly fueled by drug-induced psychosis.

A man who violently attacked multiple victims with a samurai sword in a residential area of northeast London, culminating in the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday. Marcos Arduini Monzo, 37, undertook a 20-minute rampage on April 30, 2024, in Hainault, where he killed Daniel Anjorin just outside his family home. The horrifying incident was marked by Monzo's erratic behavior, as he was seen shouting, “Is anybody here who believes in God?” while endangering the lives of several others, including police officers.

During the sentencing, Judge Joel Bennathan emphasized the severe impact of Monzo's actions, stating that a peaceful setting was transformed into a scene of devastation and terror. Monzo initiated his violent spree early that morning, first striking a pedestrian with his van before disembarking and attacking him with the sword. Moments later, he fatally assaulted Daniel, who was on his way to school and still wearing his backpack.

Authorities reported that Monzo’s attack escalated as he targeted emergency responders, striking an ambulance and later assaulting a police officer, resulting in a fractured skull. He further intruded into a nearby home and assaulted a couple before finally being subdued by law enforcement using Tasers after a brief chase.

Although Monzo had previously shown support for extremist views online, no political motivation for his actions was identified. Instead, investigations revealed that he was experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis, which had led him to commit additional heinous acts earlier that morning, including the assault and attempted cannibalism of his pet cat.

As a result of his convictions for murder, attempted murder, and other violent offenses, Monzo is set to serve a minimum of 40 years before being eligible for parole, guaranteeing that the community will be protected from his potential return.