A TEEN will stand trial next year accused of chasing down and stabbing a 15-year-old girl to death as she protected her friend.
Elianne Andam was killed as she made her way to school in Croydon, South London, last Wednesday.
PAElianne Andam was stabbed to death in Croydon[/caption]
A 17-year-old boy, who can’t legally be named, appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with murder.
No pleas were entered but a provisional trial date was set for April 29 next year.
Members of Elianne’s family watched as the youth sat between court officers in the dock.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said: “It was, the prosecution allege, a brutal attack.”
The teen was remanded into youth detention accommodation ahead of a hearing at the same court on December 19.
Elianne was killed after she tried to take back her friend’s teddy bear from her ex-boyfriend on the way to school, it is said.
The boy, who was wearing a mask and gloves, allegedly removed a knife from his waistband and repeatedly knifed the teen.
A post mortem found Elianne suffered multiple stab wounds in the horror.
In a moving tribute, the schoolgirl’s 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.
“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.”
PAElianne was retrieving her friend’s possessions when she was stabbed[/caption]
GettyTributes have flooded in for the tragic schoolgirl[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
