Marcus Arduini Monzo, a resident of Newham, made an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning, where he faced allegations including murder, two counts of attempted murder, two of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article. The dual Spanish-Brazilian national, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms, held his left arm across his chest during the proceedings.

Speaking slowly to confirm his name, Monzo is accused of crashing a van into a fence in Laing Close early on a Tuesday morning, injuring a member of the public. He reportedly threatened to kill the man and slashed his neck before proceeding to break into a nearby home where he attacked a sleeping couple and their four-year-old daughter. Subsequently, he allegedly targeted a 14-year-old named Daniel, slashing his neck and stabbing him in the chest.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Monzo in custody pending his appearance at the Old Bailey the following week if a hearing was not available sooner. The tragic incident involving Daniel, who attended Bancroft’s School, has left the school community devastated. Described as a “gentle character” and a “true scholar” by his school, Daniel’s untimely death has deeply impacted those who knew him.

The investigation, led by Det Ch Insp Larry Smith, is described as complex due to multiple crime scenes, forensic evidence, hours of CCTV footage, and the need to interview numerous witnesses. Smith expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and urged anyone with information to come forward to aid in delivering justice for Daniel, his family, the injured parties, and the broader community.