Hassan Sentamu Case: Where He Is Now and How the Killing of Elianne Andam Inspired Netflix’s Adolescence

The killing of schoolgirl Elianne Andam by teenager Hassan Sentamu has been cited as one of the real-life cases that influenced Netflix’s acclaimed drama Adolescence, which explores how teenage anger, misogyny and online radicalisation can escalate into deadly violence.

Sentamu, then 17, stabbed Andam to death at a bus stop in Croydon in September 2023 after becoming enraged during a dispute involving his former girlfriend and her friends. The attack took place before school and was witnessed by members of the public.

In March 2025, Sentamu was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 23 years. The judge described the killing as brutal and senseless, highlighting a long history of violent behaviour, self-harm and school exclusions in the years leading up to the crime.

The case has resurfaced following renewed attention on Adolescence, which fictionalises a similar act of youth violence. Co-creator Stephen Graham has said the series was shaped by several real events involving teenage knife crime, including Andam’s murder.

Andam’s family have spoken of the devastating impact of her death, describing her as creative, joyful and full of potential. Campaigners say the case underlines the urgent need to address youth violence, online extremism and safeguarding failures before tragedy strikes again.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, has reportedly left California amid growing momentum for a proposed wealth tax targeting billionaires.