The parents of 15-year-old Elianne Andam, who was tragically murdered in a knife attack in Croydon, have vowed that knife crime will “not go unanswered” following the conviction of her killer. Hassan Sentamu, 18, was found guilty of murder and possession of a blade after stabbing Elianne in the neck outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon on September 27, 2023.
Elianne’s death, following a confrontation over a teddy bear, has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many expressing their anger over the senseless violence. The conviction marks a step towards justice for Elianne, but her family is determined that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for change in the fight against knife crime, particularly towards young women.
Sentamu, from New Addington, had initially admitted to manslaughter, citing his autism as a factor that affected his ability to control his impulses. However, the jury found him guilty of murder by a majority of 10 to two after deliberating for 11 hours and 42 minutes. He was also found guilty of possessing a blade. The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was delivered, with cries of “yes” and “murderer” echoing from the public gallery.
As Sentamu stood shaking and wiping away tears in the dock, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb adjourned the sentencing until March 13. “I understand you must be very shocked and take time to get used to what has happened,” the judge told him.
Outside the Old Bailey, Elianne’s parents, Michael and Dorcas Andam, spoke movingly about their daughter’s life and the pain of losing her. Describing Elianne as a “bright, kind and loving soul” with hopes and dreams for the future, they said, “The verdict today is the first step towards justice for Elianne, but also a message that violence and knife crime, especially towards young women, will not go unanswered.”
They continued, “As we begin the long process of healing, we reflect on this verdict not as an end but as a step toward change. We will continue to fight against the violence that took Elianne from us, sharing her story and working toward a world where no family has to endure such heartbreak.”
The court heard that Sentamu, who had a history of violent behaviour, attacked Elianne in a fit of rage after a confrontation with his ex-girlfriend. The day before the murder, Sentamu had seen Elianne and her friend at the Whitgift Centre, where they “teased” him. Sentamu, feeling disrespected, told a friend he could not “let this slide.”
On the day of the murder, Sentamu armed himself with a kitchen knife and donned a mask and gloves before meeting his ex-girlfriend to exchange the teddy bear for his belongings. When Elianne stood up for her friend, Sentamu became enraged, chasing her down and stabbing her multiple times, despite her pleas for him to stop. A fatal 12cm stab wound to her neck proved to be the final blow. A passing bus driver stayed with Elianne as she lay dying in the street, holding her hand until emergency services arrived.
The attack, which was captured on CCTV, led to Sentamu being apprehended just over an hour after the killing. He was spotted on a bus heading back towards New Addington, where he was arrested. Police later recovered the bloody knife he had discarded.
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Sentamu, who had a history of carrying knives and engaging in violent behaviour, had been given a police caution at the age of 12 for bringing a knife to school. He had also been involved in several other incidents of aggression, including putting girls in headlocks and threatening to harm animals. His violent tendencies continued even after Elianne’s death, as he was reported to have threatened another inmate in a secure training centre, stating he would kill again.
In response to the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, praised the resilience of Elianne’s family. She said, “Elianne’s family and friends have waited a long time for this day. Nothing will ease the immeasurable pain they continue to live with, but I know they will be immensely relieved by this outcome.”
The case has reignited the debate over the rising levels of knife crime in London, especially among young people. Elianne’s parents have made it their mission to raise awareness about the issue and ensure that her death is not in vain. They remain committed to sharing their daughter’s story and working toward a safer future, free from the devastating impact of knife crime.
