Man Charged in ‘Exorcism’ Killing of Morgan Freeman’s Step-Granddaughter in NYC Streets

The boyfriend of Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter has been charged with second-degree murder after she was stabbed to death in what may have been an "exorcism"-style killing, according to witness reports.

Edena Hines, 33, was found lying in a Manhattan street with multiple stab wounds to her chest early Sunday, the Associated Press reported. Lamar Davenport, a 30-year-old aspiring rapper, was taken into custody at the scene in front of Hines' apartment and was charged with murder on Monday.

Actor Morgan Freeman and Edena Hines arrive to the 62nd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Jan. 16, 2005 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

According to the Daily Mail, witnesses said Davenport stabbed Hines multiple times screaming, "Get out, devils. In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast you out."

George Hudacko, 65, told the Daily Mail he saw the attack happen around 3 a.m. and called the police. Another witness, 28-year-old Brydon Tarafa, said he heard a woman scream and a man shout, "Jesus Christ is born."

The Daily Mail reported that Davenport, who has a history of drug abuse, allegedly continued to stab Hines' body as police dragged him away, still reciting Bible verses. Davenport was taken to New York's Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center to undergo a psychological evaluation.

Hines was taken to Harlem Hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Hines was the granddaughter of Freeman's first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.

"I want to acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of love and support my family has received regarding the tragic and senseless passing of my granddaughter Edena Hines. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Freeman wrote on his Facebook page.

According to Hines' website, she was a writer and an actress as well. She spent three years studying at New York University's Graduate Acting Program, and eventually taught "underexposed youth" in Memphis, Tennessee.