Elaine Andam: Teen found guilty of murdering 15-year-old girl

A teenage girl who repeatedly stabbed schoolgirl Eliane Andam over a teddy bear has been found guilty of murder.

Hassan Sentamo, then 17, attacked the 15-year-old outside a shopping center in Croydon, south London, on September 27, 2023.

Sentamo, now 18, had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, claiming he was not in control of his actions because of his autism, but the jury did not accept that defense of diminished responsibility.

The Old Bailey jury, which deliberated for 11 hours and 42 minutes, reached the verdict by a majority of 10-2.

Sentamo has also been convicted of unlawful possession of a knife.

Elaine is killed while meeting at the White Gift Center to exchange goods with Sentamo’s ex-girlfriend, who was his friend.

During the trial the court heard he flew into an “explosive rage of brutal violence”.

The teenager had left home with a knife the day before after feeling “disrespected” by a group of girls who threw water on him because of the way he treated his friend, his ex-girlfriend. I used to not like it.

The jury heard he wanted revenge and when Elaine grabbed a bag with his belongings, he chased her and stabbed her multiple times.

Sentamo was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 14.

He spent some of his teenage years in foster care, a pupil referral unit and a special educational needs school.

The court heard he had a disturbed and troubled childhood, with reports of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and violent behavior with knives.