Morgan Freeman’s step-granddaughter E’Dena Hines stabbed to death in NYC

Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman is in mourning after his step-granddaughter E’Dena Hines was found stabbed to death on a Manhattan sidewalk early Sunday morning.

According to the New York Post, Hines “was stabbed several times in front of W. 162nd St. near St. Nicholas Avenue in Washington Heights just before 3AM.” When police arrived, they found Hines, 33, unresponsive, with stab wounds to her torso. Her ex, 30, stood over her body and screamed incoherently.

E’Dena Hines was taken to Harlem Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her ex, whose name has yet to be released, was arrested and taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for medical evaluation.

Morgan Freeman has since issued a statement. “The world will never know her artistry in talent, and how much she had to offer,” he said. “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.”

E’Dena Hines is Morgan Freeman’s step-granddaughter from a previous marriage. Freeman and Hines previously made headlines back in 2012 when reports surfaced that the two were linked romantically. “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,” said Morgan in a statement at the time. “What is even more alarming is that these fabrications are now being picked up by the legitimate press as well.”

Hines issued her own statement about the reports. “These stories about me and my grandfather are not only untrue, they are also hurtful to me and my family,” she said.

The photo above is of Freeman and Hines together at a film premiere in 2008.