The family of a 14-year-old boy murdered in a London stabbing spree has spoken out about their grief. Daniel Anjorin died in Hainault, Northeast London, on the morning of April 30 when 36-year-old Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo took a sword and began attacking people randomly in the commuter region of the British capital.
The horrific incident began at around 7 am when police received a report that a van had crashed into a property on a quiet residential street. The exact sequence of events remains unclear, but bystanders took photos and video footage showing Monzo walking calmly through the streets carrying a sword and attacking people randomly. One of those people was Daniel Anjorin, who died the same day in hospital.
Four others were seriously injured in the rampage, including two police officers. Reports suggest one of the officers almost lost her hand as she and her colleague attempted to tackle Monzo and seize his sword.
The Spanish-Brazilian national, who resides in the London borough of Newham, was captured when police surrounded him in a resident’s garden and brought him under control using tasers. He appeared in court on May 1, charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.
Rick Prior, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said the two injured officers are recuperating and are expected to recover fully.
Tributes to Daniel Anjorin poured onto social media as his family described their shock. The boy’s parents, Grace and Ebeneezer, issued a statement describing Daniel as a “wonderful child” whose loss “leaves a gaping wound.”
Family friend Kwasi Asare created a GoFundMe campaign for the family that raised around $25,000 in the first 48 hours. Mr. Asare said Daniel was loved by all in his community and was “full of happiness and joy.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the boy and thanked London’s Metropolitan Police officers for their courage and service.
