Elianne Andam’s Parents Respond to Verdict in Hassan Sentamu Case
Elianne Andam’s parents express their heartbreak and commitment to fighting knife crime after the verdict against her murderer
Elianne Andam, Hassan Sentamu, Murder, Knife Crime, London, UK
London: Today, Hassan Sentamu, just 18, was found guilty of murdering 15-year-old Elianne Andam back on September 27, 2023. The jury’s decision came after a tough trial.
Elianne’s parents, Dorcas and Michael, shared their pain, saying their lives were shattered by the loss of their daughter. They described her as a bright girl with dreams that were cruelly taken away.
They called the trial their “fight for justice,” facing the heartbreaking details of Elianne’s last moments. Those memories will stick with them forever.
The couple is determined to keep fighting against knife crime. They see today’s verdict as a step toward justice for Elianne and a message that violence against young women won’t be tolerated.
Instead of focusing on the trial’s pain, they want to celebrate Elianne’s life and the joy she brought to everyone. They’re committed to healing and making a change.
Remembering their daughter, they described her as a loving soul who believed in justice. They promised to keep sharing her story to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
On the day of her murder, Elianne was trying to help a friend. She went to meet Sentamu after her friend had a falling out with him. Things escalated quickly when Elianne tried to retrieve her friend’s belongings.
Sentamu chased her down, pulled out a knife, and stabbed her multiple times. Tragically, one of those wounds was fatal. He fled the scene, but bystanders rushed to help Elianne and called for emergency services.
After the attack, Sentamu discarded the knife in a nearby garden and took a bus home. He was later arrested by a local officer who recognized him.
Even when confronted with the evidence, Sentamu tried to deny his involvement, giving a false name and showing no remorse. He couldn’t explain why he had a knife that day or why he was wearing gloves.
Investigators found a matching set of knives at his home, with one missing—the very weapon used to kill Elianne. Throughout the trial, he claimed his autism was a factor in his actions.
Ultimately, Sentamu was found guilty of murder and possession of a knife at the Old Bailey. The Andam family hopes this verdict will spark change and help prevent future tragedies.