MORGAN Freeman’s tragic step-granddaughter E’Dena Hines smiles with the man who would later be accused of killing her in an “apparent exorcism”.
My exclusive picture shows her with Lamar Davenport, who was yesterday charged with second degree murder.
E’Dena, 33, was fatally stabbed outside her apartment in Manhattan on Sunday.
Neighbour George Hudacko, 65, saw the 3am attack from his window and called police.
He said Davenport was stabbing E’Dena and screaming “Get out, devils. In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast you out”.
Davenport, 30, is an aspiring actor with a criminal record and a history of drug abuse.
He was also said to be reciting Bible verses before being dragged from E’Dena’s body. She suffered 16 stab wounds.
Davenport was taken to a nearby hospital for psychological testing before he was questioned by police.
E’Dena and Davenport were snapped smiling as they left a supermarket in Memphis, Tennessee, in February.
She was there working for a charity before moving to New York at the end of May.
But her smile hides years of pain — as she died haunted by the claims of an “inappropriate” relationship with Hollywood star Morgan, 78.
E’Dena was the granddaughter of Oscar-winner Morgan’s first wife Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
Rumours they were in a relationship first circulated in 2012.
Before her death, she told The Sun: “These ridiculous allegations have followed me for a long time.
“They are baseless and upsetting. I have nothing but respect for the man who raised me.”
Morgan’s divorce lawyer Bill Luckett was also quick to pour scorn on the rumours.
He said: “That was a rumour put out during his divorce and there was a lot of garbage floated out there.
“Even if anything happened, there was no relative involved, period. And it was stirred up.
“We’ve all decided to leave all that alone and it doesn’t deserve any attention.”
Glenna Callender, a friend of the Shawshank Redemption star and his new partner Linda Keena, also defended him.
She said: “I thought it was horrible. They adopted E’Dena when she was three. This is his first wife’s granddaughter.
“It was hurtful for the community. I tried to be as comforting and protective as possible, without asking any questions whatsoever.”
E’Dena was a regular on the red carpet with Morgan and was in several movies herself.
She played a receptionist in the movie 5 Flights Up, released in May.
Morgan said on Sunday night: “The world will never know her artistry and talent.
“Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of love and support my family has received regarding the tragic and senseless passing of my granddaughter E’Dena Hines.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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