A 17-year-old boy has been convicted of murdering 15-year-old Christian schoolgirl Elianne Andam in a brutal knife attack outside a shopping centre in Croydon, south London.

Hassan Sentamu killed Elianne on 27th September 2023, following a dispute with her and her friend, who was his ex-girlfriend. The two girls had met Sentamu to exchange items belonging to his former partner. Sentamu was reportedly angry after they threw water at him the previous day, feeling "disrespected."

During the encounter outside Whitgift Shopping Centre, Sentamu attacked Elianne in a "frenzied" rage, stabbing her multiple times as she attempted to flee. CCTV footage captured the violent assault, and Sentamu was arrested 90 minutes later, calmly returning home. Prosecutor Alex Chalk KC said Sentamu had brought a knife to assert dominance and sought vengeance on a defenceless girl.

Sentamu denied murder, claiming "loss of control" due to his autism, but was found guilty by a majority verdict. Elianne was remembered by her family as a "bright, kind, and loving" soul, with rapper Stormzy performing at her funeral.

The funeral service was held at New Life Christian Centre, the church where Elianne’s family has worshipped since she was one. In recent years, she had been attending Hillsong church regularly.

In a statement, her family said: "Her death has left a void that can never be filled. While today's verdict acknowledges the full extent of his actions, it cannot bring Elianne back. This is a step toward justice for her and a message that violence will not go unanswered."

Detective Chief Inspector Becky Woodsford, who led the investigation, praised Elianne's family for their "dignity, determination, and composure" throughout the difficult legal process.