Boyfriend Pleads Not Guilty In Stabbing Death Of Morgan Freeman's Granddaughter
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The boyfriend of Morgan Freeman's granddaughter pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges in her stabbing death.
Meanwhile, newly released documents show he ranted about Jesus Christ and the devil to officers after his arrest.
``I don't even know why I'm here right now,'' Lamar Davenport told two police officers at an Upper Manhattan precinct stationhouse shortly after he was arrested Aug. 16 standing over Edena Hines' body, a knife still sticking out of her chest, according to prosecutors.
Twenty minutes later, while being driven to a hospital, the 30-year-old Davenport called Jesus Christ ``savior'' and the devil ``evil'' before telling the officers to ``repent for your sins,'' the court papers show. He also asked the officers if they believed in Jesus and complained his handcuffs were too tight, according to court papers.
A lawyer representing Davenport didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. She told a judge Tuesday her client was set to undergo a psychiatric evaluation Thursday, the Daily News reported.
Hines, 33, is the step-granddaughter of the Oscar-winning actor, who has said through a publicist he thought of her as a granddaughter.
She was found with at least 15 stab wounds to her chest and body in front of her apartment building on 162nd Street near St. Nicholas Avenue on Sunday, Aug. 16.
A prosecutor said Hines was wounded in the heart, lungs and liver.
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.
After he was arrested, Davenport was taken to a hospital where he was given sedatives, according to the court documents. He then awoke screaming, ``Why did this happen? No, no. Why God?'' the court papers show.
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."
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