Spring trial for Elianne Andam murder accused

A 17-year-old boy accused of repeatedly stabbing 15-year-old Elianne Andam in a “brutal” attack will go on trial for murder in the spring, a court heard.

The young man, who cannot be identified because of his age, is alleged to have killed Elianne as she walked to school in Croydon, south London.

Elianne had met up with two friends last Wednesday morning before she was fatally attacked.

It is alleged her attacker, who was wearing a mask and gloves, pulled a large knife from his waist and stabbed Elianne repeatedly.

As she fled the scene, others tried to administer first aid, but Elianne could not be saved.

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

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

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

On Monday, the 17-year-old defendant appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and possession of a knife.

He was wearing a black sweater and gray sweatpants and was sitting between the officers in the dock.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC set a plea hearing for December 19 and an interim trial for April 29.

He said the case would be heard at the Old Bailey most likely before Judge Richard Marks KC.

The defendant was remanded in a youth detention facility.

Elianna’s family members sat in the court well during the half-hour hearing.

They previously said in a statement: “We as a family are struggling to come to terms with this painful tragedy that has befallen our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken.

“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was smart, caring, kind and had a bright future ahead of her. It is our request that you keep our dear daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Elianne was the 15th teenage homicide victim in London this year.