Man on Trial for London Rampage After Allegedly Attacking Cat and Schoolboy

Marcus Arduini Monzo, a 37-year-old, is accused of a violent rampage in Hainault, east London. Prosecutors allege that before the attacks, he skinned and deboned his pet cat, Wizard. The incident is said to have occurred on April 30th of the previous year, with Monzo allegedly under the influence of cannabis.

The charges against Monzo include the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin. He is also accused of using a van to run over pedestrian Donato Iwule, attacking two police officers, and assaulting a couple in their home. During the trial, Monzo expressed remorse, stating he did not intend to harm anyone.

Monzo testified that he had received "guidance and communication" in his head, claiming the cat was being used against him by negative forces. He said he strangled the cat, despite not wanting to, and then skinned it. He told the jury that he believed he needed to eat the cat to regain energy. He attempted to cook the cat but became panicked, believing an event "like an Armageddon" was happening.

He then left his home, taking swords, a ball bearing gun, and a backpack. He stated he believed the world was collapsing. He then drove towards his parents' house. He used his van to hit Mr. Iwule, and then slashed him with a sword. He then attacked Daniel, who was on his way to school. He also attacked a police officer and a couple in their home. Monzo claims to have no memory of the events until he was tasered.

Monzo admitted to smoking cannabis before the attack but denied doing so on the day. He had previously told an expert that cannabis was a "major contributor" to the rampage, but downplayed its effects during the trial. He also spoke of his interest in spirituality, including taking psychedelics and drinking his own urine.

Around 2017, Monzo began following a YouTube spiritual guru, leading to a year-long stay in India. He was taught to detach from family and friends. He took ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew, during a weekend trip. He later traveled to Brazil and India, and attended breatharian festivals. Upon his return to the UK, he argued with family members and began drinking his own urine for "cleaning" purposes. After the attack, he likened events to The Hunger Games and claimed to have an alternative personality of a "professional assassin.