A 15-year-old Black girl was on her way to school when she stepped in to protect her friend and was stabbed to death, The Root reports.
Ellianne Andam and her friend were waiting for a bus before school In Croydon, South London on Wednesday (September 27) when the fatal incident occurred.
According to witnesses, the 17-year-old ex-boyfriend of Andam's friend approached them with flowers and a love note. The friend allegedly declined his gesture, prompting Andam to step in between the pair to protect her.
The 17-year-old boy then started to chase Andam and her friend with a foot-long knife, witnesses said. Andam was stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest. She was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
The accused murderer was arrested and remains in custody.
A spokesperson for Elianne’s family said in a statement: “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.”
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.