On January 16, 2025, 18-year-old Hassan Sentamu was found guilty of murdering 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Croydon, South London.
The incident occurred on September 27, 2023, when Sentamu, then 17, attacked Elianne with a kitchen knife near the Whitgift Centre. The attack was reportedly triggered by a dispute over a teddy bear that Sentamu had failed to return to his ex-girlfriend, a friend of Elianne’s. Elianne intervened to support her friend, leading to the fatal confrontation.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, Sentamu admitted to manslaughter, citing a “loss of control” due to his autism, but denied murder. The jury, however, convicted him of murder by a majority verdict of 10 to two. Sentamu was also found guilty of possessing a blade. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13.
Elianne’s family expressed their grief and called for justice. Her father, Michael Andam, stated: “Our world was shattered, and our hearts were broken by the senseless and violent loss of our beloved daughter.” He emphasized that Elianne had her whole life ahead of her, filled with hopes and dreams for the future, all cruelly taken away.
The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting issues of youth violence and knife crime in the UK. Elianne’s death led to a candlelit vigil attended by thousands, including rapper Stormzy, and her family remembered her as a bright, kind, and loving soul who embraced life and stood up for what was right.
