After the jury had deliberated for eight hours and 20 minutes Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb gave a majority direction, telling the 12 men and women she would accept a verdict on which at least 10 of them were agreed before sending them out to continue deliberations.
Hassan Sentamu stabbed Elianne in the neck outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, south London, on September 27 2023.
The 18-year-old defendant, who declined to give evidence, has claimed his autism spectrum disorder caused him to lose control during the meeting to exchange belongings with his ex-girlfriend, who was Elianne’s friend.
The prosecution says he flew into a rage and had no lawful excuse for having a kitchen knife, having picked it up at home after an earlier incident of perceived disrespect.
Sentamu, of New Addington, near Croydon, has admitted manslaughter but denies murder and having an article with a blade or point in public.
