It comes after Hassan Sentamu, 18, was found guilty today (January 16) of murdering 15-year-old Elianne Andam on September 27, 2023, following a trial by jury.
Her 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.”
They described the trial process as their “fight for justice”, having to face the harrowing details of Elianne’s final moments which they say will stay with them “forever”.
Elianne’s parents have vowed to continue fighting knife crime and say it will not go ‘unanswered’ (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire) They continued: “The verdict today is the first step toward justice for Elianne, but also a message that violence and knife crime, especially toward young women, will not go unanswered.
“Today, we choose not to dwell on the pain of the trial but instead to honour Elianne’s memory. We think about her every moment of every day, cherishing her love and the joy she brought to everyone around her.
“As we begin the long process of healing, we reflect on this verdict not as an end but as a step toward change.”
The Andam’s remember their teenage daughter as a “bright, kind and loving soul” with a strong belief and faith in justice.
They pledged: “We will continue to fight against the violence that took Elianne from us, sharing her story and working toward a world where no family has to endure such heartbreak.
“Thank you for standing with us in love and solidarity. We ask for privacy as we grieve and strive to find peace. Elianne’s life mattered, and her legacy will live on in our hearts forever.”
Elianne had been trying to help her friend at the time of her murder (Image: Metropolitan Police) On the day of her murder, Elianne had accompanied her friend to an arranged meeting with Sentamu, after her friend recently ended a relationship with the 18-year-old.
During the meeting, Sentamu failed to return her friends’ belongings despite their prior agreement.
In an effort to help her friend get her possessions back, Elianne grabbed the bag containing Sentamu’s items as the group made their way along Wellesley Road.
Sentamu immediately chased after her, removing a knife from his waistband in seconds and stabbing the 15-year-old numerous times.
One of these blows, a wound to the neck, proved fatal.
He made off from the scene as Elianne collapsed to the ground, prompting passers-by to issue immediate medical attention and to alert the emergency services.
The 18-year-old dumped the murder weapon in a garden in Cedar Road, before taking his usual route home via a route 130 bus followed by a route 64.
He was spotted by a local officer in Goldcrest Way and was arrested, with witnesses able to identify the young man to officers at the scene.
Sentamu attempted to give a false name of ‘John’, denying any involvement in the incident, maintaining a calm demeanour even when informed that Elianne had died.
Sentamu failed to explain during the trial why it is that he was in possession of a knife and wearing gloves on the day of the murder (Image: Metropolitan Police) Whilst being questioned, he also provided a false location for the knife he had disposed of and stated “no” when asked if he had anything to say to Elianne’s family.
During a search of Sentamu’s address a matching set of knives was found in a cupboard under the kitchen sink.
One of the knives was missing, which was later proved to have been the weapon used to murder Elianne.
The 18-year-old has not revealed why he went out that day in possession of a knife and wearing black gloves and a mask.
During the trial, the court heard how he had been concerned whether an incident the previous day in which he had water thrown at him by a group of girls, including Elianne, had made him look like a “fool”.
In a text message to a friend, Sentamu said, “Bro, I can’t let this slide”.
RELATED: Teen guilty of murdering 15-year-old Elianne Andam over a teddy bear
At a hearing on March 14 last year, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, citing his autism as a mitigating factor for the attack on Elianne.
This remained a constant argument presented throughout his time on trial for murder.
Sentamu, of Rowdown Crescent, New Addington, was found guilty of murder and possession of a knife following a trial at the Old Bailey.