A man has denied murdering a 14-year-old boy and trying to kill four other people who were attacked during a 20-minute sword rampage last year.
Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, is said to have run up behind schoolboy Daniel Anjorin and slashed him in the neck and chest, virtually decapitating him, in Hainault, northeast London, last April 30.
He pleaded not guilty to Daniel’s murder at the Old Bailey this morning.
The bearded defendant, of Newham, east London, also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murders of Donato Iwule, Sindy Arias, Henry De Los Rios Polania and PC Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield, as well as wounding Inspector Moloy Campbell with intent.
He further denied aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article relating to a kitchen knife but admitted two charges of having an offensive weapon – a katana sword and a tanto katana sword.
His trial is set for June 3 at the same court.
Speaking at the time, Daniel’s parents said their son was ‘loved and amazing’ and said the whole family was ‘devastated’ by the loss.
They said: ‘It is difficult for us at this time to process what has happened to him and that he will never come home.
‘Daniel had left the house for school and then he was gone.
‘Our children have lost their loving and precious brother and we have lost the most loved and amazing son.’
He was a pupil at Bancroft’s school in Woodford Green, which also paid tribute to him, saying: ‘He was a true scholar, demonstrating commendable dedication to his academic pursuits.
‘His positive nature and gentle character will leave a lasting impact on us.
‘Losing such a young pupil is something we will always struggle to come to terms with.’
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Monzo is accused of crashing a van into a fence during the 20-minute rampage, which hit Mr Iwule.
He then allegedly attacked Daniel from behind, slashing his neck and stabbing him in the chest as he lay on the ground.
When police officers rushed to help the teenager, Monzo allegedly appeared from a bush and chased them.
He is said to have jumped out at PC Mechem-Whitfield, causing ‘significant injuries’.
The defendant then allegedly made his way across several gardens before entering the home of Mr De Los Rios Polania and Ms Arias who were asleep at the time.
A second officer, Inspector Campbell, was allegedly stabbed with a sword during an attempt to apprehend Monzo.
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