Elianne Andam: The 15-Year-Old Murdered Over a Teddy Bear

13 March 2025 — Elianne Andam was 15 years old when she was murdered in broad daylight outside a shopping centre in Croydon, south London. The trigger? A teddy bear.

Her killer, Hassan Sentamu (then 17), has been sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years in prison. But no sentence can bring Elianne back or heal the devastating wound left in her family.

This is the story of a loyal friend, a terrible day, and the terrifying speed at which teenage conflict can turn fatal when knives are involved.

Who Was Elianne Andam?

Elianne was "vibrant, bright and loving" - a 15-year-old girl with her entire future ahead of her.

Her mother Dorcas described her:

"Elianne was my world, she was the kindest most loving daughter I could have asked for; she was vibrant, creative and purposeful."

"She loved deeply, loved to sing, to braid hair always practising new style. Our home was full of her music, laughter and energy. There was always warmth and joy when Elianne was there."

"Now the music has stopped, the laughter has gone - all that is left is a deafening silence that echoes through my life."

Elianne loved:

• Singing and music
• Braiding hair and trying new styles
• Being with her friends
• Making people laugh
• Standing up for others

She was just starting her life. She had dreams, talents, and people who adored her.

She should be 17 now, taking her A-levels, planning her future.

Instead, she's gone. Forever 15.

The Lead-Up: Teenage Relationship Drama

26 September 2023 - The Day Before

Hassan Sentamu had recently broken up with one of Elianne's friends. On this day, Sentamu saw Elianne and her friends at the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon.

The girls "teased" him.

It was typical teenage behaviour - the kind of social friction that happens every day in schools and shopping centres across the country.

But Sentamu didn't see it that way.

Seething at what he perceived as "disrespect," he told a friend: "I can't let this slide."

That night, he made a plan.

The Morning of 27 September 2023

Elianne was on her way to school. It was a normal Wednesday morning.

Sentamu had arranged to meet his ex-girlfriend at the Whitgift Centre to exchange belongings:

• She would return some of his clothes
• He would return her teddy bear

But Sentamu came with something else: a kitchen knife, mask, and gloves.

And he didn't bring the teddy bear.

The Confrontation

When Sentamu arrived without the bear, Elianne stood up for her friend. She confronted him about the broken promise.

That's all it took.

Sentamu flew into what the court would later describe as a "white-hot rage."

He chased Elianne.

And when he caught her, he stabbed her repeatedly with a kitchen knife.

In broad daylight.

Outside a busy shopping centre.

In front of other children, shoppers, and commuters.

Elianne fell to the ground. Sentamu continued stabbing her as she lay there.

The court heard that she begged for mercy.

He didn't stop.

When he finally walked away, he showed no remorse - "as if her life meant nothing," Elianne's mother said.

Elianne died at the scene from her injuries.

She was 15 years old.

The Horrific Details

• Location: Outside the Whitgift shopping centre, Croydon
• Time: Morning, on a school day
• Witnesses: Children on their way to school, shoppers, commuters
• Weapon: Kitchen knife that Sentamu brought deliberately
• Disguise: Mask and gloves worn by Sentamu
• Provocation: Standing up for a friend over a teddy bear

This was premeditated. Sentamu armed himself, disguised himself, and came ready to use violence.

The teddy bear was just an excuse.

The Investigation

Sentamu was quickly arrested. The evidence was overwhelming:

• Multiple witnesses
• CCTV footage
• His deliberate preparation (mask, gloves, knife)
• His previous behaviour (more on this below)

He admitted manslaughter but claimed his autism affected his ability to exercise self-control.

The jury didn't buy it. They found him guilty of murder.

Sentamu's Disturbing History

During the trial, shocking details emerged about Hassan Sentamu's past:

Age 12: Given a police caution after producing a knife in school

Other documented behaviour:

• Putting girls in headlocks
• Threatening to harm a foster carer's cat and "chop off its tail"
• Multiple incidents of abusive and violent behaviour toward girls
• History of carrying knives

After Elianne's murder, while detained at Oakhill Secure Training Centre:

When a fellow detainee accused him of killing girls, Sentamu responded:

"I'll do it again. I'll do it to your mum. Do you want to end up like her, six feet under?"

No remorse. No empathy. No humanity.

The Trial and Sentencing

13 March 2025 - Old Bailey

Hassan Sentamu (now 18) was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said:

"The pain of her loss to her parents and younger brother is indescribable. She will always remain just 15 - she will never realise the potential of her life."

The judge identified the key factors:

1. "Short temper and aggressive tendencies" - not autism - were the trigger
2. "Deliberate decision to carry a knife" - this was planned
3. History of violence toward girls - a clear pattern
4. No remorse shown - before, during, or after the killing

Sentamu was also given a one-year concurrent sentence for illegal possession of a knife.

As he was sent down, there were angry shouts from the public gallery.

Justice was served. But it doesn't feel like enough.

The Family's Victim Impact Statements

Dorcas Andam (Mother)

Addressing Sentamu directly:

"You brutally murdered her in the most humiliating way in broad daylight; mercilessly killing her on the floor as she begged for mercy."

"You walked away showing no remorse as if her life meant nothing."

"You did not only kill Elianne, you killed me mentally and emotionally. Your actions were senseless and evil."

Michael Andam (Father)

"I close my eyes and see the horror of what she must have endured – the fear, the pain – and it breaks me over and over again."

"The thought of her final moments torments me – wondering if she was calling out for me, hoping I would save her – but I wasn't there."

"I couldn't protect her. That guilt will weigh on my heart for the rest of my life."

Denzil Larbi (Cousin)

"To see a 15-year-old lying in a mortuary is something no family should have to endure. People say time is the greatest healer. I cannot see how time will ever heal this kind of wound. Time will never bring her back."

"She was only 15. She should still be here."

Read those statements again. Feel the weight of them.

This is what knife crime really looks like - not statistics, not headlines, but shattered families and unbearable grief.

The Family's Criticism: "Too Lenient"

After sentencing, Pastor Mark Rossell issued a statement on behalf of the family:

"Our daughter Elianne Andam was a vibrant, bright and loving innocent 15-year-old with her entire future ahead of her, until it was stolen in the most horrific way."

"Brutally killed in broad daylight by a 17-year-old who showed no mercy."

The family described Sentamu's 23-year minimum term as "lenient" and said the justice system had "failed to reflect the sheer brutality" of Elianne's killing.

They feel "abandoned and unheard" by a system that they believe doesn't adequately punish violent crime.

Pastor Rossell added: "We cannot accept such lenient sentences are appropriate for violent, calculated crimes like this."

They're right to be angry.

Sentamu could potentially be released when he's 41 years old. Elianne will never be 41. She'll never be anything beyond 15.

What This Case Teaches Us

1. Teenage Conflict + Knives = Death

The dispute was trivial:

• A recent breakup
• Some teasing
• A teddy bear not being returned

Normal teenage drama.

But Sentamu brought a knife. And that knife turned a petty argument into murder.

Carrying a knife doesn't make you safer. It makes deadly violence inevitable.

2. Warning Signs Were Ignored

Sentamu had:

• Brought a knife to school at age 12
• Repeatedly shown violence toward girls
• Displayed concerning behavioural patterns

And yet he was free to kill Elianne.

Early intervention could have prevented this. Support services, mental health care, proper consequences for violent behaviour - all might have changed the outcome.

But they didn't happen. And Elianne paid the price.

3. "Disrespect" Is Not Worth Dying For

Sentamu couldn't "let this slide." He felt disrespected. His ego was bruised.

So he killed someone.

Young people need to understand: Your reputation is not worth someone's life. Your pride is not worth your freedom.

Walk away. Every time. No matter what.

4. Loyalty Can Be Dangerous

Elianne was being a good friend. She stood up for her friend when Sentamu came without the teddy bear.

And it got her killed.

This doesn't mean young people shouldn't support each other. But it means understanding when a situation is escalating and getting adult help instead of confronting an aggressive person.

5. Public Spaces Aren't Safe Anymore

This happened:

• In broad daylight
• Outside a busy shopping centre
• On a school morning
• In front of witnesses

If that's not safe, where is?

For Young People: Lessons from Elianne's Murder

If you're in an argument with someone:

1. Walk away - Your pride isn't worth your life
2. Don't carry a knife - It won't protect you; it'll ruin your life
3. Get help - Tell an adult, call police, remove yourself from the situation
4. Think about consequences - One moment of anger can destroy multiple lives
5. Remember Elianne - A normal day, a normal disagreement, a tragic ending

If someone disrespects you:

1. It's not worth responding with violence
2. Words hurt less than prison
3. Real strength is walking away
4. Think about their family - and yours

If you see someone carrying a knife:

1. Report it anonymously - Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
2. Don't confront them
3. You could save lives - both theirs and potential victims'

For Parents: Warning Signs to Watch

Sentamu's history included clear warning signs that were apparently missed or not acted upon decisively:

Behavioural red flags:

• Violence toward others (especially a pattern)
• Threats of violence (even if they seem like jokes)
• Carrying weapons or fascination with knives
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Lack of empathy for others
• Violent fantasies or talk
• History of hurting animals

If you see these signs:

1. Take them seriously
2. Seek professional help immediately
3. Remove access to weapons
4. Keep communication open
5. Work with schools and authorities
6. Don't minimize or excuse the behaviour

Remembering Elianne

Elianne would be 17 now. She might be:

• Studying for A-levels
• Still singing and braiding hair
• Planning for university or a career
• Making her family laugh
• Being there for her friends
• Living her life

But she's not. Because a 17-year-old boy decided his ego was more important than her life.

A mural of Elianne was painted near the Whitgift Centre where she died. It's a beautiful tribute.

But no amount of art, no sentence, no justice can bring her back.

What Needs to Change

1. Earlier Intervention

When a 12-year-old brings a knife to school, the response must be more than a caution. Intensive intervention is needed.

2. Take Violence Against Girls Seriously

Sentamu had a pattern of violence toward girls. This should have been treated as a major red flag.

3. Knife Crime Education

Every young person needs to understand:

• Carrying a knife makes you less safe
• Arguments become murders when knives are involved
• One moment can destroy multiple lives

4. Better Support for At-Risk Youth

Sentamu was in foster care and clearly struggling. Better support systems might have prevented this tragedy.

5. Stronger Consequences

The family feels the sentence was too lenient. Society needs to debate whether violent youth offenders face adequate consequences.

A Living Nightmare

Elianne's cousin Denzil described this as a "living nightmare."

That's exactly what it is - for her family, who wake up every day to the reality that she's gone. For her friends, who witnessed her murder or learned about it. For her community, which lost a bright young person.

The nightmare continues. It will continue forever.

That's the reality of knife crime.

How You Can Help

Spread awareness:

• Share Elianne's story
• Talk about the realities of knife crime
• Challenge attitudes that glorify weapons

Support prevention:

• Donate to organizations working against youth violence
• Volunteer with youth programs
• Advocate for better support services

Report concerns:

• If you know someone carrying a knife, report it
• If you see violent behaviour, speak up
• You could prevent the next tragedy

Remember the victims:

• Keep their stories alive
• Support their families
• Make sure their deaths mean something

Final Thoughts

Elianne Andam died because:

• A teenage boy couldn't control his temper
• He had access to a knife
• He'd learned that violence was an acceptable response to disrespect
• Warning signs were missed or not acted upon

She died being a good friend. Standing up for someone she cared about.

That loyalty cost her everything.

Hassan Sentamu will spend at least 23 years in prison. But even if he serves his full sentence, he'll still have decades of life ahead of him.

Elianne will never have that opportunity.

She's forever 15. Forever frozen in time. Forever missed by everyone who loved her.

This is why knife crime matters.

This is why we have to do better.

This is why Elianne's story must be told.

In memory of Elianne Andam (2008-2023)
"Vibrant, creative and purposeful"
Forever 15. Never forgotten.

If you need help or want to report knife crime:

• Call Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111
• Text Fearless: 85999
• Visit our Get Help page

Every life matters. Every voice counts. Every action to prevent knife crime makes a difference.