A Spanish-Brazilian national found himself in court on Thursday, facing charges of murder and other serious offenses after a tragic incident in London. Marcus Arduini Monzo stands accused of a violent spree in a northeastern suburb of the city, wielding a Samurai-style sword. The attack resulted in the tragic death of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin and left four others injured.
The incident, which occurred as Anjorin was walking to school, has sent shockwaves across the nation. Monzo allegedly not only targeted the teenager but also inflicted serious injuries on two police officers, both of whom required surgery and are currently hospitalized. One officer, a woman, sustained severe arm injuries, nearly losing her hand, according to the Metropolitan Police in London.
Monzo, who hails from east London, was formally charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and several other offenses on Wednesday. Appearing in court on Thursday, he was dressed in a grey sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms, holding his left arm close to his chest as he confirmed his identity.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldpsring ordered Monzo to be held in custody until his next court appearance at London’s Old Bailey, scheduled for Tuesday unless a hearing becomes available on Friday.
The terrifying sequence of events began early on Tuesday morning when Monzo allegedly crashed a van into a house fence, injuring a 33-year-old man whom he then purportedly stabbed in the neck. He then reportedly entered a nearby property, where he attacked a 35-year-old man, causing lacerations to his arm before the fatal encounter with Anjorin.
Police responded swiftly to the scene, arriving within 12 minutes of the initial emergency call. Despite attempts to subdue the suspect using incapacitant spray and a Taser gun, Monzo managed to evade capture initially. Witnesses sought refuge in nearby houses as the man fled. Eventually, after a tense 22 minutes, police were able to apprehend him using a Taser.
Authorities have stated that the attack does not appear to be terror-related and have refrained from commenting on the possible motive behind Monzo’s actions.
