In a shocking act of violence that has left a community reeling, 15-year-old Elellanne Andam was brutally murdered in broad daylight in Cudden, UK, on September 27, 2023. What began as a seemingly innocent exchange between friends spiraled into chaos when Hassan Said Tanmu, 17, allegedly attacked Elellanne with a kitchen knife, inflicting over ten stab wounds in a frenzied assault that ended her life in mere moments.
Elellanne, described as a bright and compassionate student with dreams of becoming a human rights lawyer, was supporting her best friend in retrieving belongings from Hassan, who had previously ended a tumultuous relationship with her friend. The exchange quickly turned hostile when Hassan, armed with a concealed weapon, confronted the girls. Eyewitnesses report that Elellanne bravely attempted to reclaim a bag of clothing, only to be met with Hassan’s explosive rage.
Caught on CCTV, the chilling scene unfolded as Hassan pursued Elellanne, who clutched the bag tightly, unaware of the impending horror. In a shocking twist, he drew a knife from his hoodie and plunged it into her neck, severing her carotid artery. Witnesses screamed in horror as Elellanne fell to the ground, begging for her life, but her cries were met with silence. Despite the immediate arrival of paramedics, the blood loss was catastrophic, and she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Hassan fled the scene, discarding the bloody weapon before boarding a bus, but was ultimately apprehended by police. His arrest marked the beginning of a legal battle that would expose a troubling history of violence and mental health issues. Despite his defense’s claims of diminished responsibility, prosecutors argued that the attack was premeditated and cold-blooded.
On January 16, 2025, a jury found Hassan guilty of murder, resulting in a mandatory life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years before he can be considered for parole. Elellanne’s tragic death has ignited urgent discussions about youth violence and mental health, leaving a community mourning the loss of a promising young life.