Hassan Sentamu was convicted on January 16 of the murder of Elianne Andam, a 15-year-old Christian girl. The young girl was stabbed several times on September 27, 2023 outside a shopping center in south London. Very involved in her faith, Elianne regularly attended Hillsong Church.
The drama took place on the morning of September 27, 2023 in south London, England, during a meeting between Hassan Sentamu, Elianne Andam and a friend of the latter, who was the ex-girlfriend of the ‘assailant. While the two young girls came to return his personal belongings, an argument broke out. Furious over a minor incident that occurred the day before, Hassan Sentamu then grabbed a knife and violently attacked Elianne.
Despite her attempts to flee, the young girl was stabbed several times. This brutal attack, which took place near a shopping center, was filmed by surveillance cameras. Sentamu was arrested 90 minutes later at his home.
During his trial, which concluded on January 16, the assailant pleaded loss of control, citing his autism. According to the BBC, he was indeed diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 14. The English media reports that he spent part of his adolescence in foster families and had a difficult childhood marked by suicidal thoughts and violent behavior.
However, the jurors rejected the loss of control argument and found him guilty by a majority. Following the verdict, Elianne’s family said in a statement that “her death has left a void that can never be filled. While today’s verdict fully recognizes her actions, it will not bring Elianne back. C “is a step towards justice for her and a reminder that violence will not go unpunished.”
-Elianne, described by her family as “bright, kind and loving”, grew up at New Life Christian Centre, an evangelical church, before joining Hillsong Church in recent years.
During his funeral, which took place on November 11, 2023, his loved ones paid tribute to his deep faith and his commitment to justice. Elianne, in fact, dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Despite their immense pain, his parents said they placed their trust in God to ease their pain.
“We trust in Christ alone, our cornerstone, to ease this unbearable pain.”
Camille Westphal Perrier
Crédit image : New Life Church Croydon
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