Boy, 17, remanded in custody over murder of Croydon schoolgirl
A teenage boy appeared in court this morning charged with the murder of schoolgirl Elianne Andam who was stabbed to death in Croydon.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be name for legal reasons, sat in the well of a wood-pannelled youth court wearing a light grey shirt and light grey sweatpants. Police were called to reports of a stabbing at 8.30am on Wednesday and arrested him in New Addington.
Elianne was wounded in the neck after getting off a bus in Wellesley Road. She had been accompanied by two friends. Despite emergency services' best efforts she died of her injuries.
During the hearing sitting at Croydon Magistrates' Court, presided over by district judge Daniel Benjamin, the youth spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and home address. He sipped from a white plastic beaker of water during the 19-minute hearing, where he was refused bail and remanded in custody to youth detention.
The charge read: "On or in 27 September 2023 at Croydon in the Borough of Croydon murdered Elianne Andam contrary to Common Law." The suspect is also charged with possessing a knife.
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Last night, Elianne's family visited the scene where she died as crowds gathered outside the police cordon and prayers were said. Her mum Dorcas broke down in tears, and was supported by around 30 family members. Elianne's father Michael was also present. Her loved ones paid tribute in a statement and said: “Our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter.
Elianne Andam, 15, was stabbed to death on Wednesday morning in Croydon (PA)
Her family paid tribute to the "light of our lives" (PA)"Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her. She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future. All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers."
Elianne’s parents, who live half a mile away, spent 15 minutes at the scene next to a bus stop inside the police cordon. Her aunt Marian said at her nearby home: “We can’t comprehend the heartbreak. She went to school and didn’t come home. This is a tragedy. It hasn’t sunk in yet for my sister. Elianne wanted to be a lawyer. She went to a private school and had a great future ahead of her.
“She was a lovely girl, loved gymnastics. She loved doing her hair. We are all devastated by this.” Flowers were laid at the spot where Elianne died. One tribute read: “Rest in peace little princess, so sad your life is taken away at your prime. You have touched my soul.”
A community vigil was held on Wellesley Road yesterday (Belinda Jiao)Police who tried to save the youngster fought back tears as they paid their respects at the scene. They were among a group of officers laying flowers and cards. One read: “On behalf of B team Croydon, we wish to express our deepest condolences.” Acts Christian Church Bishop Mark Nicholson led a community vigil by the police cordon.
A statement read out by a church leader on behalf of the family said: "We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken." She added: "Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus.
Elianne's family visit the crime scene (TIM ANDERSON)"She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family, in your thoughts and prayers." Investigation head Det Chief Insp Rebecca Woodsford said: “We have recovered CCTV from the area and have spoken to a number of witnesses.
"Forensic scientists have also examined the scene. From these enquiries, we are now confident Elianne was attacked outside near to the bus stop rather than onboard the bus. We know many people were in the area at the time and would have witnessed the attack. This would have been distressing and traumatic and I would encourage anyone who needs support to contact us and we will help to arrange this.
"I know that Elianne’s death has left many people feeling upset and I would like to thank the people of Croydon for the support they have shown us as we have carried out our enquiries in the town." Rishi Sunak was asked about what the Government is doing to tackle knife crime.
Police officers lay flowers at the scene in Croydon (PA)The Prime Minister said: "The idea that a girl not much older than my own kids would have their life just cruelly ended in that way is absolutely shocking. The solutions are to keep doing the things that we are doing, and that’s making sure we’re putting more police officers on the street.
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"It’s also important to give them the powers that they need whether that’s stop and search ... But most importantly we need to toughen up on the sentencing of the people who perpetuate these heinous crimes. When people just do the most awful things they should just go to jail for a very long time and life should mean life."
The next hearing will be on October 3rd at the Old Bailey.
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