Daniel Anjorin’s Killer Gets 40 Years Behind Bars In Shocking UK Ruling

The attacker who killed a 14-year-old schoolboy using a samurai sword during his morning walk in East London has received a life imprisonment sentence.

Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after nearly decapitating 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin during a brutal 20-minute rampage in Hainault on April 30 last year, during which he attacked five other people.

Delivering the verdict on Friday, Mr Justice Bennathan ruled that Monzo must serve a minimum of 40 years before becoming eligible for parole. With time already spent in custody, he will remain behind bars for at least 38 years and 309 days, making him around **75 years old at the earliest possible release—though release is not guaranteed.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge described the chaos Monzo unleashed on what began as a peaceful morning:
“In Hainault, East London, just before 7:00 a.m. on April 30 last year, the streets were calm as people headed to work and children made their way to school.

What followed was 20 minutes of terror. Members of the public were attacked, police officers severely injured, a couple traumatized in their home, and a bright, talented young boy—Daniel—was tragically killed.

You, Marcus Monzo, were responsible for all of it. Daniel was gifted—musically talented and athletically capable. His death has left a devastating void in the lives of his parents, siblings, and grandparents. No sentence I deliver can ease their unimaginable pain.”

After the sentencing, Daniel’s father, Dr. Ebenezer Anjorin, stood alongside his wife, Grace Anjorin, and gave a brief statement:
“This has been a painful and deeply traumatic chapter in our lives. No verdict or sentence can bring back our beloved son, Daniel.”

“But we are thankful that justice has prevailed. Daniel was taken from us in a manner no family should ever have to face.

He had a bright future ahead—brilliant academically, full of kindness, and a generous heart that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Even in our grief, we hold on to that light he brought into our lives.”

The family expressed their gratitude to the police, prosecution team, and everyone who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth.

Mr. Anjorin added that the family intends to honour Daniel’s memory not through the lens of tragedy, but by celebrating the love, joy, and warmth he gave to those around him.

Earlier, during a victim impact statement read in court, Dr. Anjorin described Monzo’s actions as “wicked” and said no words could fully express the pain and torment the family felt after Daniel’s death.

“We will never get to see him grow up, get married, or have children—the things every parent dreams of for their child. All those hopes were stolen from us in the most heartless way by Marcus Monzo,” he said.

“This has been the most horrific nightmare we’ve ever endured. Losing a child is unimaginable—losing one so violently is unbearable. No family should ever suffer this way.”

According to prosecutors, Monzo was under the influence of cannabis when he carried out the frenzied attack, during which he reportedly intended “to kill as many people as he could.” Prior to the incident, he had mutilated his pet cat, Wizard, by skinning and deboning it.

Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian dual national from Newham, East London, admitted to possessing two offensive weapons—swords he claimed were purchased purely for decorative purposes.