Elianne Andam stabbing: Teenager charged with murder to face spring trial

A 17-year-old boy accused of killing teenager Elianne Andam will face a murder trial in the spring.

The boy is alleged to have repeatedly stabbed 15-year-old Ms Andam to death as she made her way to school on Wednesday.

The boy appeared at a court hearing at the Old Bailey yesterday charged with murder and possession of a knife.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC set a plea hearing for December 19 and a provisional trial from April 29. The defendant was remanded into youth detention accommodation.

The Old Palace of John Whitgift school student was stabbed at around 8.30am in Wellesley Road, Croydon, shortly after she and some friends had stepped off a bus. 

Attempts were made to provide first aid, but the teenager could not be saved.

The defendant was arrested in New Addington at around 9.45am the same day.

Multiple stab wounds were identified in a special post-mortem examination. 

Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said: “It was, the prosecution allege, a brutal attack.”

The 17-year-old’s name cannot be shared because he is under the age of 18 and automatically qualifies to have his identity protected.

The court may choose to lift this restriction which does happen in exceptional circumstances.

Members of Elianne’s family sat in the well of the court during the half-hour long hearing.

Previously, they have said in a statement: “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.

“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. 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.”

Pictured top: Elianne Andam (Picture: The Met)