Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian national from Newham, east London, has been brought before court on charges of murdering 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin in a sword attack that shook the city.
Alongside the charge of murder, Monzo faces two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article, as announced by the police on Wednesday. The attack in Hainault, northeast London, left four people injured, including two Metropolitan Police officers.
Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the 36-year-old was remanded in custody this morning by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldpsring. Clad in a grey sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms, Monzo spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing. He is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, pending availability, if a hearing is not arranged on Friday.
Daniel Anjorin, the victim of the fatal attack, was a pupil at Bancroft’s private school in Woodford Green, the same school attended by Grace O’Malley-Kumar, a victim of the recent Nottingham attack.
The sudden loss of Daniel has plunged the school community into profound shock and sorrow, with staff and pupils expressing their grief over the tragic incident. Described as a wonderful and hard-working child, Daniel’s family conveyed their devastation, stating that his death has left an irreplaceable void within the family.
Jaswant Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London North, extended sympathies to Daniel’s family and those affected by the tragic event. Narwal emphasized the importance of fair trial proceedings and urged against any reporting, commentary, or online sharing of information that could prejudice the case. As criminal proceedings against Monzo are active, ensuring a fair trial remains paramount.