Murdered schoolgirl’s parents say today’s verdict should be treated as a step toward change: ‘We will continue to fight against the violence’
The parents of Elianne Andam, who was killed in a frenzied knife attack in Croydon town centre in September 2025, today spoke of their “fight for justice” at the Old Bailey murder trial of Hassan Sentamu, which ended today.
United in grief: the candlelit vigil at the scene of Elianne Andam’s killing in 2023. Tonight, her parents spoke out following the conclusion of the murder trial
The jury came to a majority verdict that Sentamu was guilty of the murder of 15-year-old schoolgirl Elianne Andam.
In a statement on behalf of her parents, Dorcas and Michael Andam, and read outside the Central Criminal Court where the trial had just concluded, her father 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.
“This trial has been our fight for justice, forcing us to confront the devastating details of Elianne’s final moments, details that will remain with us forever.
“While today’s verdict acknowledges the full extent of his actions, it cannot bring Elianne back to us. 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. She was a bright, kind, and loving soul who embraced life, her faith, and her belief in standing up for what was right. We think about her every moment of every day, cherishing her love and the joy she brought to everyone around her.
“We are deeply grateful to our family, friends, church, local community, legal team and the countless well-wishers who have supported us with their prayers, love and encouragement. Your kindness has been a source of strength during this unimaginable journey.
Murdered in the street: Elianne Andam
“As we begin the long process of healing, we reflect on this verdict not as an end but as a step toward change. 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.”
Hassan Sentamu, 18, opted against taking the witness stand to give evidence in his defence at the trial, or to be cross-examined. He claimed in his defence that his autism spectrum disorder had caused him to lose control during the meeting to exchange belongings with his ex-girlfriend, who was Andam’s friend.
He is due to be sentenced on March 13.
Today, Croydon police chief Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, said: “Elianne’s murder was met with a collective sense of shock and outrage, and I know this verdict will impact many.
‘Her loss remains felt by us all’: Borough Commander Andy Brittain (centre, white shirt) addresses the press after Elianne Andam’s murder
“In the days and weeks that followed this dreadful incident, I was humbled by the response from the wider Croydon community to support Elianne’s loved ones and the police investigation. It was a real example of a community uniting in the face of awful tragedy, and we stand together now as we did then.
“Elianne was popular with a bright future ahead of her. It’s clear from the messages left at the scene and the hundreds who attended a candlelit vigil held in her honour that she was loved by many, and I know her loss remains felt by us all. So it’s particularly special that the mural unveiled in Croydon last year now stands as a permanent reminder of Elianne’s life and memory.
“This was an incident that affected even experienced officers, but I am proud of how my colleagues responded that day – from those first on scene who gave Elianne emergency first aid, to the swift action taken to urgently circulate Hassan’s details, and finally the eagle-eyed officer who spotted him getting off the bus and moved in to arrest him.”
Read more: Croydon teen Sentamu guilty of murder of Elianne Andam
Read more: ‘Our failure can be read on the headstones of dead youth’
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or want to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
As featured on Google News Showcase
- Our comments section on every report provides all readers with an immediate “right of reply” on all our content. Our comments policy can be read by clicking here
Inside Croydon is a member of the Independent Community News Network
Tragedy and looks like Croydon will be safer with this man locked up. But what, exactly, is the family’s ‘fight for justuice’? The police and legal process has been brilliant – swift and firm. That all happened because we have institutions that can work well. No one had to fight to achieve this.
The fight is against future senseless violence against girls! Read the article! After something so traumatic happening to them, they(we) will fight!