The parents of murdered Croydon schoolgirl Elianne Andam have defiantly vowed to fight against “the violence that took her from us”. This afternoon (Thursday, January 16), Hassan Sentamu, 18, was convicted of her murder following an Old Bailey trial.
He stabbed the 15-year-old to death near the Whitgift Centre on September 27, 2023, during a meeting to exchange belongings with his ex-girlfriend, who was Elianne’s friend. The defence argued his autism meant he was unable to regulate his emotions when Elianne grabbed a Tesco bag from him containing handwritten love letters to his former girlfriend.
The prosecution said he flew into a rage of ‘white-hot anger’ and had no lawful excuse for having a kitchen knife, having picked it up at home after being ‘humiliated’ by a group of girls, including his ex and Elianne, at the Whitgift Shopping Centre the day before.
Hassan Sentatmu, 18, will be sentenced on Thursday, March 13
(Image: MPS)
‘Our world was shattered’
Following the four-week trial at the Old Bailey, Elianne’s parents, Dorcas and Michael Andam, said: “On September 27, 2023, our world was shattered, and our hearts were broken by the senseless and violent loss of our beloved daughter, Elianne Andam. At just 15 years old she had her whole life ahead of her, filled with hopes and dreams for the future – all cruelly taken away from her and from us. Her death has left a void in our lives that can never be filled.”
The grieving couple added the trial had been a “fight for justice”. Although the guilty verdict has not brought their daughter back, they say it’s a message that violent crime against young women will not go unanswered.
“Today, we choose not to dwell on the pain of the trial but instead to honour Elianne’s memory,” they added. “She was a bright, kind, and loving soul who embraced life, her faith, and her belief in standing up for what was right. We think about her every moment of every day, cherishing her love and the joy she brought to everyone around her.”
Elianne Andam took a video selfie moments before she was stabbed to death
(Image: MPS)
They continued: “We are deeply grateful to our family, friends, Church, local community, legal team, and the countless well-wishers who have supported us with their prayers, love, and encouragement. Your kindness has been a source of strength during this unimaginable journey.
“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.”
Concluding the statement, Elianne’s parents thanked people for their solidarity and said “her legacy will live on in our hearts forever”.
Hassan Sentatmu, 18, of Rowdown Crescent, New Addington, will be sentenced on Thursday, March 13.
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