Teenager who stabbed schoolgirl Elianne Andam to death in ‘frenzied’ attack in Croydon jailed for at least 23 years

Tragic Loss of a Young Life: The Elianne Andam Case

The senseless murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam has sent shockwaves through her community, leaving behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions. Elianne, an aspiring lawyer known for her vibrant personality and kind heart, was stabbed to death in a frenzied attack near the Whitgift Centre in central Croydon in September 2023. Her killer, 18-year-old Hassan Sentamu, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years for the heinous crime. The case has highlighted issues of youth violence, mental health, and the devastating impact of knife crime on families and communities.

A Troubling History and a Fatal Encounter

Hassan Sentamu, who was 17 at the time of the murder, had a disturbing history of attacking girls and carrying knives. The attack on Elianne stemmed from a dispute over a teddy bear that Sentamu had been asked to return to his ex-girlfriend, a friend of Elianne’s. Instead of resolving the issue peacefully, Sentamu arrived armed with a knife, wearing gloves and a face mask. When Elianne intervened, attempting to retrieve the teddy bear, Sentamu chased her and subjected her to a brutal, CCTV-captured stabbing. His actions were described as a "frenzied attack," and within 90 minutes, he was apprehended by police after getting off a bus.

A Complex Defense and Guilty Verdict

Sentamu admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, citing "loss of control" due to his autism. However, the Old Bailey jury rejected this defense, convicting him of both murder and possession of a knife in January. The court heard that Sentamu had a history of aggression, with witnesses describing his short temper and deliberate decision to carry a weapon. The day before the killing, Sentamu had been teased by Elianne and her friends at the Whitgift Centre, an incident that seemingly triggered his deadly retaliation. In a chilling statement, Sentamu reportedly told a friend that he could not "let this slide," and later even suggested he would "do it again."

A Family’s Unbearable Grief

Elianne’s murder has left her family in a state of unbearable pain, their lives forever scarred by the loss of their beloved daughter. In emotional statements read to the court, Elianne’s parents described their "living nightmare" and the "deafening silence" that now fills their home. Her mother, Dorcas Andam, remembered Elianne as a vibrant, creative, and purposeful girl who brought joy and warmth to their lives. "The music has stopped," she said, "the laughter has gone." Elianne’s father, Michael Andam, spoke of the torment of imagining his daughter’s final moments, wondering if she had called out for him, and grappling with the guilt of not being able to protect her.

A Sentence That Falls Short for the Family

While Sentamu was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years, Elianne’s family expressed frustration and disappointment with what they perceived as a lenient sentence. Outside the Old Bailey, Pastor Mark Rossell, speaking on behalf of the family, criticized the justice system for failing to deliver a sentence that reflected the severity of the crime. "We cannot accept such lenient sentences for violent, calculated crimes like this," he said. The family’s pain was further compounded by Sentamu’s lack of remorse, as he showed no empathy for his actions, even going so far as to suggest he would commit the crime again.

A Legacy of Love and a Call for Justice

Despite their overwhelming grief, Elianne’s family and friends have found strength in their determination to honor her memory and seek justice. Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford praised the family’s "dignity, determination, and composure" throughout the investigation and trial. Elianne’s cousin, Denzil Larbi, addressed Sentamu directly in court, calling his actions "the most monstrous and evil act imaginable" and vowing that he would "forever remain a villain in our story." As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, Elianne’s legacy lives on through the memories of her radiant smile, her love of music and laughter, and the countless lives she touched in her short but impactful life. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for urgent action to address knife crime and protect young lives.