Boy, 17, faces trial accused of chasing down and stabbing Elianne Andam, 15, to death as she protected friend
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.
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."
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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.
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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."
