14 March 2024 , 10:28
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A 17-year-old boy has admitted to killing a schoolgirl in south London last year.
Elianne Andam, 15, was repeatedly stabbed while walking to Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon in September and died near a bus stop. The defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared by video-link at the Old Bailey this morning, instead admitting manslaughter.
The plea was not accepted by prosecutors, and a murder trial will take place from November 25 at the same court. The boy also denied possessing a blade in a public place.
Elianne had met two female friends before she was attacked. It is claimed her attacker, wearing a mask and gloves, removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly. He is accused of fleeing the scene, while others attempted to administer first aid. The teenager schoolgirl could not be saved.
The teen had been on her way to school when she was stabbed and killed (Metropolitan Police / SWNS)
She was just 15 (PA)The defendant was arrested in New Addington, south London at 9.45am the same day. Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC previously said: “It was, the prosecution allege, a brutal attack.”
Mourners gather at purple-themed vigil to remember girl, 15, stabbed to death
Speaking after her death Elianne's family previously paid tribute to her saying she was the "light of our lives". They said: "Our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter. 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. We ask the media to please respect our privacy as we try to grieve the short life of our beautiful child."