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A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 14-year-old boy and the attempted murder of four others during an alleged 20-minute sword attack.
Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, is accused of ambushing Daniel Anjorin on his way to school and fatally slashing his chest and neck with a Japanese sword, nearly decapitating him. The incident occurred in Hainault, north-east London, on April 30, 2024.
At the Old Bailey on Friday, Monzo, who appeared in a green jumper, denied eight of the ten charges against him. He admitted to possessing two offensive weapons — a katana and a tanto katana sword.
Monzo, from Newham in east London, also denied the attempted murders of Donato Iwule, Sindy Arias, Henry De Los Rios Polania, and Police Constable Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield. He further pleaded not guilty to wounding Inspector Moloy Campbell with intent, aggravated burglary, and possession of a kitchen knife.
His trial is scheduled to begin on June 3 at the same court.
