Justice for Elianne Andam: Teen Found Guilty of Tragic Murder
The tragic case of Elianne Andam, a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was brutally murdered in Croydon, South London, has come to a somber conclusion. Hassan Sentamu, now 18, was found guilty of her murder at the Old Bailey. The horrific incident unfolded on September 27, 2023, stemming from a confrontation over a bag of belongings, including a teddy bear, following the breakup between Sentamu and his ex-girlfriend. The jury delivered their verdict after nearly 12 hours of deliberation, rejecting Sentamu's defense of diminished responsibility due to autism.
Elianne had accompanied her friend, Sentamu’s former girlfriend, to meet him outside the Whitgift Centre to exchange personal items. What began as a seemingly ordinary encounter turned into a fatal altercation. Sentamu, armed with a knife, reacted with what the prosecution described as "white-hot anger." When Elianne jokingly snatched a bag and ran, Sentamu chased her down and inflicted fatal injuries. Witnesses recounted how Elianne tried to shield herself with her hands as she begged him to stop. Despite her desperate attempts, the attack was swift and relentless.
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Prosecutor Alex Chalk KC emphasized that Sentamu carried the knife with the intention of asserting dominance and taking revenge after feeling disrespected the day before. His calculated actions—bringing a weapon, wearing gloves and a mask—left no doubt about his intent. The defense argued that his actions were influenced by his autism spectrum disorder, but the jury did not accept this as an excuse for his violent behavior.
Sentamu’s troubled background came to light during the trial. Diagnosed with autism at 14, he had a history of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and violent tendencies. Reports revealed previous incidents involving knives, highlighting missed opportunities to intervene.
As the guilty verdict was announced, emotions ran high in the courtroom. Sentamu appeared visibly distressed, while Elianne’s family expressed relief that justice had been served. The presiding judge, Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, deferred sentencing until March, allowing time for further reports.
This case underscores the devastating impact of knife violence and the urgent need for preventive measures. Elianne, described by her family as a bright and kind-hearted young woman with dreams of a legal career, was tragically robbed of her future. Her death serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked anger and the growing crisis of youth violence in society.
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