Morgan Freeman's granddaughter reportedly stabbed to death in 'exorcism'

NEW YORK (AP) - The step-granddaughter of award-winning actor Morgan Freeman was killed by her boyfriend early Sunday in a disturbed attempt at an exorcism, according to a published report.

The New York Post reported that Edena Hines, 33, — whose grandmother was Freeman’s first wife — was stabbed 16 times near her apartment building on West 162nd St. in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan just before 3 a.m.

Police charged 30-year-old Lamar Davenport with second-degree murder early Monday after he underwent a psychiatric evaluation at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital.

George Hudacko, who witnessed the murder from his third-floor apartment and called 911, said that Davenport screamed "Get out, devils! I cast you out, devils! In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast you out!" as he attacked Hines.

No working telephone number for Davenport could be found. It wasn't immediately clear whether he had a lawyer.

Police say Davenport was in a relationship with Hines.

Freeman issued a statement saying, "The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer."

Hines was actually Freeman's step-granddaughter, but Freeman's publicist says the Oscar-winning actor thought of her as his granddaughter. Hines was the granddaughter of Freeman's first wife.

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