Murder trial hears teen girl ‘stabbed to death over missing teddy bear’

**Murder Trial Hears Teen Girl Stabbed to Death Over Missing Teddy Bear**

A murder trial in London has heard shocking details about the tragic death of teenager Elianne Andam, who was allegedly stabbed to death over a missing teddy bear. The accused, 18-year-old Hassan Sentamu, reportedly armed himself with a kitchen knife before meeting his ex-girlfriend to exchange possessions. However, things took a horrifying turn when Elianne confronted Sentamu for not returning the teddy bear, resulting in him fatally stabbing her in the neck with a 12cm deep wound.

According to prosecutors, Elianne was deeply upset on behalf of her friend, who was eager to retrieve her teddy bear following a breakup with Sentamu. The incident occurred during an exchange of belongings in Croydon, south London, where Sentamu, after turning up empty-handed, resorted to a violent attack on Elianne. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Elianne tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

During the trial at the Old Bailey, it was disclosed that Sentamu accepted responsibility for causing Elianne’s death but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, citing his autism diagnosis as a mitigating factor. However, the prosecution argued that his condition and troubled past do not absolve him of the murder.

CCTV footage presented in court captured the harrowing moment when Elianne attempted to escape from Sentamu, who was seen chasing her with the lethal weapon. The jury was shown clips of the fatal encounter, where Elianne fell to the ground as Sentamu inflicted fatal stab wounds before fleeing the scene. Sentamu has admitted to manslaughter but denied accusations of murder and possession of a blade in a public place.

The trial, set to run until January 17, continues as justice is sought for the senseless loss of Elianne Andam’s young life.

**Insights & Summary:**

The tragic case of Elianne Andam serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence, especially over trivial disputes. The accused’s attempt to justify his actions based on his autism diagnosis underscores the complexity of mental health considerations in legal proceedings. It is crucial for the justice system to ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions while also taking into account any underlying mental health issues that may have influenced their behaviour. Ultimately, this heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of conflict resolution through peaceful means and the need for greater awareness and support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges in society.