Morgan Freeman is grieving the loss of his granddaughter, Edena Hines, who was stabbed to death and found lifeless on a Manhattan street on Sunday. In what onlookers and witnesses described as an "exorcism" of sorts, the 33-year-old aspiring actress suffered multiple stab wounds in the hands of his live-in boyfriend, Lamar Davenport. According to New York Post, the suspect was wrestled off Hines' body as he continued to make stabbing motions with his hands but left the knife on her chest. Freeman's granddaughter was pronounced dead on arrival at Harlem Hospital.
The call regarding the tragic incident came at roughly 3am when Davenport was heard shouting in the street. According to witnesses, he had been frantically yelling verses from the Bible while attacking Hines. George Hudacko, one of the witnesses to the crime, shared that the perpetrator shouted: "Get out, devils! I cast you out, devils! In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast you out!" He shared that Davenport also yelled, "Jesus Christ is born!" Both the suspect and Hines' lifeless body were found by the responding officers in front of the latter's apartment located on West 162nd Street.
According to the initial reports of the police, Hines suffered from multiple stab wounds on her upper body. While no official announcement had been released regarding the reason for the attack, the investigators are noting that Davenport is a known user of drugs such as pot and cocaine. He is also known to be a heavy drinker. The New York Post report revealed that he has two kids, neither of them the child of Hines. Prior to the incident, Davenport had been arrested six times which included charges for possession and use of marijuana and petit larceny. As of this writing, he is under the care of the experts at New York-Presbyterian Hospital where he was submitted for a psychological evaluation.
"The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer," stated Freeman in an official press release issued to USA Today by his representative, Stan Rosenfield. The announcement further stated, "Her friends and family were fortunate enough to have known what she meant as a person. Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace."
The actor also took to social media to share his gratitude over the support and concern extended to him and his family following the news. He wrote, "I want to acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of love and support my family has received regarding the tragic and senseless passing of my granddaughter Edena Hines." Freeman added, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
