Teenager Elianne Andam Found Guilty of Murder in Croydon: Case Details and Verdict
The teenager responsible for the tragic death of 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Croydon has been found guilty of murder. Hassan Sentamu, 18, committed this heinous act in a fit of rage over a teddy bear dispute. This violent incident took place outside the Whitgift Centre in central Croydon on September 27, 2023. Elianne, a student at Old Palace of John Whitgift School, was stabbed multiple times in a frenzied attack by Sentamu, which was captured on CCTV.
Friend’s Account and Capture
According to a friend of Elianne, Sentamu’s actions were reminiscent of a character from the Netflix series Top Boy. Elianne, in a desperate plea, held out her hand begging him to stop the assault. Following the crime, Sentamu hastily disposed of his gloves and mask in a bin and attempted to hide the murder weapon in a nearby garden. However, law enforcement officers were able to apprehend Sentamu within 90 minutes of the attack.
Threatening Behavior and Past Incidents
Sentamu, who had previously admitted manslaughter but denied murder due to “loss of control” attributed to his autism, has a history of violent and aggressive behavior. His troubling past includes incidents such as brandishing a knife in class at the age of 12, threatening other students, and making repeated suicide threats. Despite being expelled from a school for threatening another child with a knife, Sentamu continued to display concerning behavior, including threatening to harm animals.
Chilling Message and Fatal Encounter
In a chilling message to a friend before the attack, Sentamu expressed his inner darkness, foreshadowing the tragic events that would unfold. The day prior to Elianne’s murder, Sentamu engaged in an altercation with her and a friend at the Whitgift Centre. This led to a confrontation where Elianne’s life was senselessly taken by Sentamu, who exacted his vengeance on a defenseless victim.
Sentamu, despite being diagnosed with autism, did not testify during the trial. His defense argued that his condition played a significant role in the crime. However, Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford of the Metropolitan Police described the incident as a brutal and frenzied knife attack on an innocent young girl who was merely standing up for her friend.
The tragic loss of Elianne Andam serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence and aggression. As the community mourns her passing, justice has been served in holding her assailant accountable for his reprehensible actions.
