| Elianne Andam | |
|---|---|
| Died | 27 September 2023 (age 15) |
| Occupation | Student |
On 27 September 2023, Elianne Andam was fatally stabbed on her way to school.
Background
Elianne Andam, a 15-year-old girl was fatally stabbed close to the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, south London, on her way to school during the busy morning commute. Authorities arrived at the scene on Wellesley Road within two minutes; however, Andam was declared dead at approximately 9:20 am. Andam was among the 11 individuals who lost their lives on the streets of Croydon in 2023, with four of the victims being 20 years old or younger.
Killing
On the morning of 27 September 2023, Andam accompanied her friend and a group of girls to a car park to meet Hassan Sentamu. The meeting was intended for her friend and Sentamu, who had ended their relationship ten days prior, to exchange personal items. However, Sentamu arrived without any belongings, which left Andam feeling "aggrieved on her friend's behalf."
In a show of support, Andam took the plastic bag that her friend had given to Sentamu. In response, Sentamu pursued Andam, cornering her and using a kitchen knife to stab her multiple times, severing her carotid artery. A bus driver and bystanders attempted to assist her, but she succumbed on the pavement despite the intervention of paramedics who arrived promptly at the scene. According to witnesses, the assailant attempted to present flowers to his former girlfriend while on the bus, but when she declined, he subsequently stabbed the victim in the neck after she intervened to defend her friend.
In March 2024, during his appearance at the Old Bailey, he admitted to inflicting the lethal knife wound on Andam and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. However, he maintains his innocence regarding the murder charge, contending that his autism diminishes his culpability. Additionally, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of carrying a knife in a public space. Sentamu participated in a video link session at the Central Criminal Court. He is scheduled to stand trial for murder at the Old Bailey starting on 25 November 2024.
Memorials
Following her death, thousands attended a vigil in honour of Andam, including the rapper Stormzy. Speakers at the vigil spoke against knife crime. The funeral service for Andam took place at the New Life Christian Centre on 11 November 2023. Over 2,000 people watched over a live stream.
References
- Jessup, Sonja (9 December 2024). "Elianne Andam stabbing: Hassan Sentamu's murder trial begins". BBC News.
- Taylor, Will (28 September 2023). "Hero schoolgirl stabbed to death with 'machete' after intervening in 'fight between friend and pal's ex-boyfriend'". LBC News.
- "One year on, Elianne Andam's killer named as Hassan Sentamu". Inside Croydon. 7 September 2024.
- ^ Cobham, Tara (9 December 2024). "Boy murdered Elianne Andam in 'white-hot anger' after teddy bear row, court told". Independent.
- Vaughan, Henry (28 September 2023). "Croydon: Girl, 15, stabbed to death on way to school - as teenage boy is arrested". Sky News.
- de Wolfe, Danielle; Ronkin, Katy (6 September 2024). "Pictured: Teen accused of stabbing 15-year-old Elianne Andam at bus stop revealed as suspect turns 18". LBC News.
- Cuddeford, Callum (10 December 2024). "'I knew something was wrong' says Hassan Sentamu's ex-girlfriend in murder trial". My London.
- "Teenager pleads not guilty to murder of Elianne Andam". Inside Croydon. 14 March 2024.
- Jessup, Sonja (4 October 2023). "Elianne Andam death: Thousands gather at vigil to remember 15-year-old". BBC News.
- Skopeliti, Clea (11 November 2023). "Funeral held for stabbing victim Elianne Andam, 15, in Croydon". The Guardian.