Teen Convicted of Murdering Schoolgirl Elianne Andam in Croydon Stabbing

Hassan Sentamu, 18, was found guilty of murdering 15-year-old Elianne Andam after a dispute involving his ex-girlfriend's belongings escalated into fatal violence.

Elianne Andam, a 15-year-old schoolgirl, was fatally stabbed in the neck by Hassan Sentamu in Croydon in September 2023 after intervening on behalf of a friend during a dispute over a teddy bear.
Sentamu, who admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, was convicted of murder and possession of a blade after a jury rejected his claim that autism caused him to lose control.
The court heard that Sentamu had a history of violent behavior, including incidents of carrying knives, threatening others, and harming animals, dating back to his early teens.
Prosecutors described the attack as premeditated, with Sentamu bringing a kitchen knife to the meeting after feeling disrespected by the victim and her friends the day before.
Elianne, who aspired to become a human rights lawyer, was remembered as a loyal friend and talented student, while the case has reignited discussions about youth violence and knife crime in the UK.