Ms Hines' grandmother had once been married to Mr Freeman
Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman's step granddaughter was stabbed to death by her boyfriend in New York, US media reported on August 16.
E'Dena Hines, 33, was found on a Manhattan street early morning on the fated day with multiple stab wounds, officials said. She was pronounced dead in a hospital shortly after.
Her boyfriend had allegedly yelled: "Get out devils! I cast you out devils, in the name of Jesus Christ. I cast you out!" as he carried out the attack, witness George Hudacko told the
New York Post.
A 30-year-old man who police said was the boyfriend was taken into custody and hospitalised for a psychological evaluation, police told the
New York Times.
Though they were not directly related, the victim's grandmother had once been married to Mr Freeman, the
New York Times reported.
Ms Hines appeared as a receptionist in the film
5 Flights Up, which was released in May and also features the Academy Award-winning actor.
In a Facebook post, Mr Freeman called the death "tragic and senseless." In a statement from his publicist on the same day, Mr Freeman said: "The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer."
Morgan Freeman is known internationally for his presence in a plethora of films and television shows. He won the Oscar for the Best Supporting Actor for his role in
Million Dollar Baby in 2005.