A teenage boy has been discovered responsible of murdering a Christian schoolgirl in a terrifying knife assault in Croydon, south London.
Hassan Sentamu was 17 years previous on the time of the assault on 15-year-old Elianne Andam exterior a shopping center on September 27, 2023.
Andam was attacked after standing up for her girlfriend, who was Sentamu's ex-girlfriend. The 2 ladies agreed to satisfy Sentamu to alternate issues that belonged to his ex-girlfriend.
The courtroom heard how Sentamu felt “disrespected” by the women after an incident the day gone by once they threw water on him.
Sentamu flew into an “explosive rage of savage violence” in the course of the alternate exterior the Whitgift purchasing heart in Croydon centre. The courtroom heard that Sentamu chased Elianne and stabbed her a number of occasions in a “frenzied” assault which was caught on CCTV. He was arrested 90 minutes later as he acquired off the bus “after calmly returning house”, the Metropolitan Police stated.
Alex Chalk KC, prosecuting, stated: “On September 27 he was indignant, interested by offending and took the knife to the positioning to reassert dominance.
“He exacted his revenge on a younger woman who was clearly working away from him and posed no menace.
Sentamu admitted manslaughter however denied manslaughter on the grounds of “lack of management” as a result of he has autism. He was discovered responsible of her homicide by a majority verdict of 10 to 2.
Elianne was a religious Christian and a member of New Life Christian Heart in Croydon. On the time of her dying, her heartbroken household described her as a “God-fearing lady” and rapper Stormzy carried out at her funeral.
After Sentamu's verdict was handed down on Thursday, they stated: “Her dying has left a void in our lives that may by no means be crammed.
“This trial has been our battle for justice, forcing us to confront the devastating particulars of Elianne's closing moments, particulars that can stick with us without end. Whereas in the present day's verdict acknowledges the complete extent of his actions, it can not deliver Elianne again to us. In the present day's verdict is step one for Elianne for justice, but additionally with the message that violence and knife crime, particularly towards younger ladies, won’t go unanswered.
“In the present day we select to not dwell on the ache of the trial, however as an alternative to honor Elianne's reminiscence. She was a shiny, form and loving soul who embraced life, her religion and her perception in standing up for what was proper. considering of her each second of on daily basis, cherish her love and the enjoyment she delivered to everybody round her.”
Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford, who led the investigation, stated: “Elianna's household and pals have waited a very long time for today. Nothing will ease the immense ache they proceed to stay with, however I do know they are going to be immensely relieved by this end result.” .
“Ever since Elianne was taken from them in essentially the most inexplicable manner, they’ve been pushed by the motivation to see her killer delivered to justice.
“Their journey to get up to now has understandably been very tough and I wish to bear witness to their dignity, dedication and composure.”
