Swordsman alleges drug poisoning incident
Trial kicks off for 37-year-old Marcus Arduini Monzo at the Old Bailey. Accused of murdering a 14-year-old and injuring four others with a Samurai sword, Monzo denies all charges… except for sword possession.
Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian citizen, is on trial for the grisly attacks that took place in Hainault, East London on April 30, 2021. Richard Horwell KC, lead prosecutor, claims Monzo embarked on an unprecedented rampage, armed with a Japanese blade, with the purpose of causing maximum harm. Eyewitness videos, filmed by terrified bystanders, were later circulated on social media platforms, creating widespread shock.
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The rampage began when Monzo intentionally smashed his Ford Transit into pedestrian Donato Iwule, propelling him into a garden with such force that concrete pillars and fencing were shattered. Monzo then allegedly wielded the sword toward Iwule but was thwarted as Iwule managed to scale a fence.
The attack continued when Monzo encounters 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who was on his way to school. Anjorin was brutally slain with a fatal sword strike to the neck. When emergency services arrived, Monzo viciously attacked Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield, a police officer, who suffered serious injuries.
Monzo then stormed into a nearby residence, wounded the father of a four-year-old child, and ultimately ended the rampage when the child's cries pierced through his violent frenzy. Finally, Monzo injured Police Inspector Moloy Campbell before being apprehended.
Defense Brings Up Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
Monzo's legal team prepares to argue in defense that Monzo was battling a cannabis-induced psychosis during the attack. Horwell, however, counters this assertion, stating that Monzo intentionally poisoned himself with drugs, which triggered a psychotic episode but does not absolve him of responsibility.
Clearly, cannabis has been linked to an increased risk of developing psychotic episodes, particularly in individuals who are genetically predisposed1. The jury watches chilling footage, including police bodycam video and eyewitness clips, during the trial. One witness is heard confessing, "He just killed the boy, right in front of my house." Monzo has admitted to possessing two swords, yet he continues to deny all other accusations.
Stay tuned as the trial continues to unfold.
Source: ntv.de and ija
- Trials
- United Kingdom
- Murder and Manslaughter
- The defense for Marcus Arduini Monzo, the suspect in the Hainault rampage case, plans to argue that his actions were influenced by cannabis-induced psychosis, as reported by news outlets like BBC and Sky News.
- The Old Bailey trial for Monzo, who is accused of murder and injuring multiple people with a Samurai sword, has seen discussions about the link between cannabis and increased risk of psychotic episodes, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed, as mentioned in general-news websites and journals such as IJA.
- In addition to presenting evidence about Monzo's mental health, the trial also includes vocational training workshops, as part of the community policy, to aid both the defendants and jury in understanding various aspects of health-and-wellness, including mental health and drug-related issues, as reported by various media outlets.
