In a tragic incident that has deeply affected the Croydon community in London, 15-year-old Elianne Andam was fatally stabbed on September 27, 2023.
The assailant, 18-year-old Hassan Sentamu, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years on March 13, 2025, following his conviction for her murder, reported The Guardian.
The events leading to this tragedy began when Elianne accompanied a friend to meet Sentamu outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange belongings after Sentamu had ended his relationship with Elianne's friend.
A dispute arose over items, including a teddy bear that Sentamu had not returned. In a gesture of support, Elianne took Sentamu's bag and ran a short distance away. Sentamu, reacting with intense anger, chased her and inflicted a fatal stab wound to her neck with a kitchen knife he had concealed under his clothing.
Elianne, described as a vibrant and creative individual with aspirations of becoming a human rights lawyer, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of her family and friends.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that Sentamu had a history of violent behavior, including previous assaults on girls and carrying knives.
The day before the murder, he had been teased by Elianne and her friends, which he perceived as a slight to his dignity. This incident appeared to have fueled his anger leading up to the fatal confrontation.
Sentamu admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, citing his autism as a factor affecting his self-control.
However, the jury rejected this defense, convicting him of murder and possession of a knife. The judge, Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, highlighted the premeditated nature of the attack, noting that Sentamu had armed himself with a knife and concealed his identity with a mask and gloves.
In victim impact statements, Elianne's mother, Dorcas Andam, expressed the profound loss and enduring pain the family continues to endure.
She described Elianne as a bright, kind, and loving individual who had dreams of making a difference in the world. Elianne's father, Michael Andam, spoke of the deep void left by her absence and the ongoing torment of her final moments.
The Croydon community has rallied to honor Elianne's memory, organizing candlelit vigils and creating a mural near the site of the incident. These acts of remembrance serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of knife crime and the importance of addressing violence among youth.
Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford, who led the investigation, praised Elianne for standing up for her friend and emphasized the senselessness of the violence that led to her death. She expressed hope that the conviction would serve as a deterrent against knife crime and a step toward justice for Elianne.
As Sentamu begins his life sentence, the Andam family and the broader community continue to grapple with the loss of a promising young life, advocating for change to prevent such tragedies in the future.