Elianne Andam's teen killer guilty of murdering Croydon schoolgirl in row over teddy
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A teenage killer is facing life in prison after knifing schoolgirl Elianne Andam to death in a row over a teddy bear. Hassan Sentamu was today found guilty of murder after he exploded in "white hot anger" and launched the ferocious attack in 2023. Elianne, aged just 15, was set upon after standing up for a friend who wanted to get her bear back from ex-boyfriend Sentamu. Her family let out cries of "Jesus" as the jury delivered the guilty verdict. Elianne's mother, Dorcas Andam, broke down in tears and said, "Elianne may you rest in peace".
The 17-year-old chased after Elianne, cornered her and stabbed her repeatedly with a kitchen knife before running away and disposing of the weapon. After his arrest, Sentamu made excuse after excuse after excuse, claiming he could not control himself because of his autism.
He denied murder, but today a jury found the thug, who was named after turning 18, guilty after deliberating for three days. Speaking after the verdict, 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. This trial has been our fight for justice, forcing us to confront the devastating details of Elianne’s final moments, details that will remain with us forever.
