In a shock that has gripped Britain, accused killer Marcus Arduini Monzo unleashed a bone‑chilling video weeks before the Hainault massacre. With his ginger cat “Wizard” purring at his feet, Monzo gleefully showcased a gleaming samurai‑style weapon, calling it “sexy,” in what’s now being dubbed a prelude to terror.
The Hainault horror: what led to the unboxing clip
On April 30, 2024, Monzo allegedly drove his van into a security guard, Donato Iwule, then whipped out the katana featured in the video and fatally slashed 14‑year‑old Daniel Anjorin as he walked to school.
Over a harrowing 20 minutes, the Spanish‑Brazilian martial artist rampaged through Hainault, east London, stabbing multiple victims—including a second security guard, two police officers, and a sleeping couple—before police TASERed and arrested him.
The chilling unboxing video: ninja moves, purrs, and a promise of violence
Weeks before the carnage, Monzo posted a meticulously produced four‑minute video from his iPhone. Dressed in a yellow hoodie, flip‑flops, and toe‑socks, he stood on martial‑arts mats alongside Wizard. Cradling a long box, he narrated: “This just came through… Ninja stuff. This is handmade in Japan… F—ing sexy.”
He proceeded to wave the blade in slow motion, shifting into ninja-like stances. The video ended before any brutal act—yet its fascination with the weapon has prosecutors calling it a horrific confession of intent.
Trial developments: verdict looms in Old Bailey
Monzo faces a gruesome ten-count indictment, including murder, four counts of attempted murder, wounding with intent, aggravated burglary, and possession of bladed articles. So far, he has pleaded guilty only to possessing two offensive blades—a katana and a tanto—but denies all other charges, including Anjorin’s killing.
Courtroom drama has been intense. Witnesses described Monzo’s furious glare as he slashed Donato in the neck, and how Donato was violently ambushed from behind. Reportedly, police officer Yasmin Mechem‑Whitfield tearfully recounted how she feared for her life, telling a colleague, “Don’t let me die here”, after Monzo struck her with the sword.
Jurors also heard that Monzo murdered and skinned his cat, Wizard, and later claimed he was living in a delusion, believing himself in a “Hunger Games”‑style spiritual war. Defense lawyers may point to drug‑induced psychosis. Prosecutors counter that self‑medication isn’t a valid defense in UK law.
What happens next?
The trial has advanced slowly but is expected to reach a verdict soon at the Old Bailey. Monzo’s fate hinges on whether the jury accepts intent to kill or mental instability as an explanation for the brutality.
If found guilty of murder, Monzo faces a mandatory life sentence. A manslaughter verdict by diminished responsibility would lead to indeterminate hospital stays instead. An acquittal on murder but a conviction on lesser counts would still involve significant prison time.
Meanwhile, Hainault residents remain haunted. Daniel’s grieving family has called for justice for their “gentle, focused” boy. A memorial vigil and tribute banners at an Arsenal game testify to the impact of his loss.
The unboxing video smashed complacency: a killer who falls in love with his weapon while playing with his cat. The seamless segue from adoring the blade to using it in cold blood paints a portrait of calculated savagery. This isn’t just a trial—it’s a warning about glamorized violence, psychosis, and preventable carnage.
Published: Jun 11, 2025 03:07 pm