Police: Boyfriend Of Morgan Freeman's Granddaughter Charged In Her Death
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police have arrested the 30-year-old boyfriend of actor Morgan Freeman's granddaughter after she was found stabbed to death on the street in Washington Heights.
Lamar Davenport was charged with second-degree murder on Monday, a day after 33-year-old Edena Hines was found with stab wounds to her chest in the street in front of her apartment building on West 162nd Street.
She was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.
Monday morning, blood could still be seen on the street where she was attacked, 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported. Some of her neighbors said they witnessed the killing.
"I heard the him say something like 'devil be gone, Jesus and God,'" said witness George Hudacko. "I said, 'uh oh.'"
Patrick Curry, who also watched the attack from his window, said the boyfriend appeared crazed and was ranting almost like he was trying to perform an exorcism.
"He was kneeling over her and screaming about 'God has arisen.' He was totally off the ranch," Curry said.
Hines' neighbors were left feeling helpless and wishing they could have done more.
"I watched somebody get murdered and there was nothing I could do but call the police," Hudacko said.
Freeman issued a statement saying that "The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer.''
"Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts and prayers," he said. "May she rest in peace."
Hines was actually Freeman's step-granddaughter, but Freeman's publicist says the actor thought of Hines as his granddaughter. She's the granddaughter of Freeman's first wife.
Hines had studied acting and was involved with teaching urban youth.
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