TEARS FOR ELIANNE
Stormzy joins Elianne Andam’s family & hundreds of mourners at vigil for girl, 15, stabbed to death by teen in Croydon
STORMZY has joined Elianne Andam's family and hundreds of mourners at a vigil for the 15-year-old schoolgirl - who was stabbed to death by a teen in Croydon.
Grieving relatives gathered near the bus stop where Elianne was attacked to mark a week since her death.
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Elianne's mum Dorcas Andam wore a black and white scarf as she held a candle for her daughter.
She paid tribute to her "smart, charismatic" daughter, who "loved living life to the fullest".
Ms Andam said: "She brought joy to so many, including her friendships.
"She was an amazing, beautiful, girl.
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"She loved and touched lives around her."
"I can't believe we won't be seeing her anymore. I can't believe she won't be there to complain about her teenage activities.
"We should be planning her prom after year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer, and had so much to live for.
She said her daughter was "just a normal teenager".
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She added: "It was a sad day for the whole family, now we are planning her funeral."
Croydon-born rapper Stormzy was also spotted supporting devastated locals at the vigil.
Stormzy, real name Michael Omari Owuo Jr, stood silently beside her family as they led mourners in prayer.
A choir also sang Amazing Grace, with mourners joining in.
A 17-year-old is charged with knifing the schoolgirl on September 27.
Croydon Magistrates' Court heard the teen stabbed Elianne after she tried to retrieve the teddy bear of a friend from her ex-boyfriend on her way to school on Wednesday morning.
Prosecutors told the court the 17-year-old then gave chase and stabbed the schoolgirl.
While the girl was on the floor, he continued stabbing her, the court was told.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with murder and possession of a knife.
He appeared in court wearing a grey prison tracksuit and glasses.
Prosecutor Nicola Grindey, outlining the case, told the court Elianne "met with two friends prior to attending school".
Ms Grindey said the defendant was "wearing a mask and gloves".
Ms Grindey said Elianne had attempted to retrieve some of her friends' belongings - including a teddy bear - from a plastic Tesco bag the girl's ex-boyfriend was holding.
She grabbed the plastic bag and was "pursued" by the defendant who stabbed her multiple times in front of a group of terrified onlookers, Ms Grindey said.
He was later arrested.
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District Judge Daniel Benjamin remanded the teen into youth custody.
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