Morgan Freeman paid tribute Sunday to his 33-year-old step-granddaughter E’Dena Hines, who New York City police said was stabbed to death hours earlier outside her home.
“The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer,” Freeman said in a statement. “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.”
Responding officers found Hines on a Manhattan sidewalk suffering from multiple stab wounds to her torso outside her home on W. 162nd Street at about 3 a.m.
Hines, the granddaughter of Freeman’s first wife, was transported by ambulance to Harlem Hospital and pronounced dead.
A 30-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene and transported to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center for psychiatric evaluation, according to the New York Post. The paper said the suspect was Hines’ boyfriend who had been trying to perform an “exorcism” on her on the sidewalk. A witness described hearing the man scream “Get out, devils! I cast you out, devils! In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast you out!” during the attack.
Three years ago, Freeman, 78, issued a statement denying that he was involved in a relationship with Hines.
“The recent reports of any pending marriage or romantic relationship of me to anyone are defamatory fabrications from the tabloid media designed to sell papers,” he said. “What is even more alarming is that these fabrications are now being picked up by the legitimate press as well.”