Boyfriend Arraigned In Stabbing That Killed Morgan Freeman's Granddaughter
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The boyfriend of Morgan Freeman's granddaughter was arraigned from his hospital bedside Wednesday in her fatal stabbing on the street in Washington Heights.
Lamar Davenport, 30, was arrested Monday, a day after 33-year-old actress Edena Hines was found with stab wounds in front of her apartment building on 162nd Street near St. Nicholas Avenue.
She was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital Center.
Davenport was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. He was arraigned by video Wednesday and did not enter a plea.
A prosecutor said Hines was stabbed 15 times in her heart, lungs and liver. He said officers found Davenport standing over Hines' body.
"I heard 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.
Davenport's attorney did not ask for bail.
Following the stabbing, 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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