Heartbroken Mother Mourns Murdered Croydon Schoolgirl at Vigil.
In a poignant vigil held for Elianne Andam, a 15-year-old schoolgirl who tragically lost her life, her devastated mother, NHS children’s nurse Dorcas Andam, broke down in tears.
The vigil took place at the location where Elianne was fatally stabbed while on her way to school. Friends and family gathered to remember the “thoughtful, kind daughter” who had aspirations of becoming a lawyer.
The emotional event included heartfelt tributes to Elianne, described as a “beautiful person inside and out.”
Relatives, including Elianne’s aunts and cousins, arrived in a procession of cars to the vigil site, located near the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, South London.
The grieving mother and her husband, Michael, joined the gathering, where they tried to come to terms with the painful tragedy that befell their beloved daughter.
In addition to family members, Metropolitan Police officers, some of whom had been present during the tragic incident, also paid their respects at the vigil. Flowers and cards continued to accumulate on the roadside, forming a poignant tribute to the young girl.
Elianne Andam, described as “intelligent” and with a “bright future,” lost her life while en route to the private Old Palace of John Whitgift School.
Reports suggest she had intervened in a dispute between a friend and her friend’s ex-boyfriend. A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder just 75 minutes after the attack, which occurred five miles away from the incident’s location.
Police have been granted an additional 12 hours to question the suspect, and they are not actively seeking any other individuals in connection with the case.
Bishop of Croydon Rosemarie Mallett spoke on behalf of the family at the vigil, accompanied by Elianne’s tearful aunt Marian. The family expressed their deep sorrow and grief, emphasizing their faith as a source of strength during this trying time.
They also thanked those who had sent messages and prayers of support, and they requested privacy as they cope with their profound loss.
Community leaders Anthony King, Donna Murray-Turner, and James Watkins addressed the gathered crowd earlier in the day. Murray-Turner recounted the emotional scene at Elianne’s school, where friends were deeply affected by the tragedy.
A meeting focusing on violence against women and girls was announced to be held at Croydon Town Hall, further highlighting the need for community support in the face of such heartbreaking incidents.
Elianne’s friend revealed that just one day before the stabbing, Elianne had expressed a lack of fear about death, saying, “I’m not afraid to die, I’m going to heaven.” This sentiment reflected her strong faith and belief in an afterlife. Elianne’s tragic death marked the 15th homicide of a teenager in London in 2023.
City leaders, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, visited the scene of the killing.
The incident has sparked discussions about toughening sentences for knife-related crimes. As the investigation continues, the victim’s family, along with the community, grapple with the profound impact of this heartbreaking loss.
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