The Hainault murder trial opened at the Old Bailey with shocking evidence that Marcus Monzo, 37, had a deliberate intention to kill when he fatally stabbed 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin. The teenager was on his way to school in Hainault, East London, when he was attacked with what prosecutors described as a sword.
Schoolboy Killed in Broad Daylight as Jury Hears Details of Random Attack
According to the prosecution, the Hainault murder trial centres around an apparently unprovoked and frenzied 20-minute assault, which left five other people seriously injured.
Monzo denies eight charges, including murder, four counts of attempted murder, and additional offences involving aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC painted a chilling picture, stating: “Mr Monzo had a clear intention to kill a number of people… it did not matter who they were, or indeed how old they were.”
Daniel, a Year 9 pupil, was described as an innocent victim—simply walking to school, wearing his sports uniform and listening to music. Mr Little added, “He should have been able to walk to school safely… his life was snuffed out in an instant.”
The Hainault murder trial heard that the attacker approached Daniel like a “predator”, striking him fatally with the sword to the head and neck.
Shortly after the fatal stabbing, Monzo allegedly broke into a nearby home where a couple were asleep with their four-year-old child. Entering their bedroom armed with the sword, he reportedly shouted: “Do you believe in God?”
Mr Little described the event as “truly horrifying and confusing,” especially as the defendant launched an attack on the male occupant, stopping only when the child began to cry.
The court was shown bodycam and ambulance footage depicting Monzo’s violent encounters with emergency services. In one clip, he is seen striking an ambulance with the sword. Another video showed officers attempting to subdue him, shouting commands as he refused to drop the weapon.
During the confrontation, Monzo asked repeatedly, “Is there anyone here who believes in God?”
Officers resorted to pepper spray, but he fled, with police chasing him down. Upon his arrest for murder, Monzo responded with religious phrases including: “Allah, Allah will unite us all” and “God, God, will reunite us all.”
The Hainault murder trial took a disturbing turn as jurors were told of Monzo’s mental health issues and drug use. In police interviews, he allegedly claimed one of his personalities was a professional assassin. A second interview was cut short after Monzo appeared disoriented and confused.
A search of his home uncovered further disturbing details: a dead and skinned cat, and a stash of cannabis.
Prosecutors allege Monzo’s actions stemmed from “self-induced intoxication” leading to a psychotic episode. However, the defence argues he may have had an underlying condition—possibly a schizophrenia-like disorder—made worse by drug use.
Additional Charges and Ongoing Proceedings
Monzo also faces charges of:
- Wounding with intent
- Aggravated burglary
- Possession of an offensive weapon (a kitchen knife)
The Hainault murder trial continues, with the court expected to hear further testimonies and psychiatric evaluations in the coming days.
