Legendary actor, Morgan Freeman, and his family will finally be able to get one step closer toward justice for the murder of his granddaughter…hopefully. On August 16, 2015, fans mourned the loss of Freeman’s 33 year old granddaughter, E’Dena Hines, who was brutally stabbed to death by her boyfriend, Lamar Davenport (then 30), on a New York City street. Davenport was arrested at the scene of the murder and ever since then has been awaiting trial in jail. Here’s the latest in the case…

Murder Trial Set To Begin

Below are the details that have just been reported, regarding the murder trial for the death of the granddaughter Morgan Freeman was extremely close to and helped to raise like she was his own child. Her killer may stand a chance of getting a lighter sentence, instead of a sentence E’Dena’s loved ones are probably hoping for, here’s why:

Via NY Daily News: The murder trial of the man accused of killing actor Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter will begin next week. Lamar Davenport is charged with stabbing E’Dena Hines, 33, outside their Washington Heights home on Aug. 15, 2016. The 33-year-old claims he was high on a bad batch of PCP when he knifed Hines 25 times on W. 162nd St. Davenport’s lawyers are expected to launch an insanity defense when opening statements begin Monday. The attorneys may point to Davenport’s rants after the crime.

Sad Murder Details Of Freeman’s Grandchild

As we previously reported, the murder of E’Dena Hines was vicious and brutal. Hines was murdered outside of her apartment, in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York, at approximately 3am.

One of the neighbors, who saw the attack from his window, called 911 and said that Davenport was stabbing Hines repeatedly, while screaming: “Get out, devils. In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast you out!”

Daily Mail reported that ‘Davenport, an aspiring actor with a criminal record and a history of drug abuse, was said to be reciting Bible verses before being dragged from his girlfriend’s body – which had 16 stab wounds. He was taken to the New York’s Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center to undergo psychological testing before he was questioned by police.’

Edena Hines was the 33 year old biological granddaughter of Freeman’s first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, whom he was married to from 1967 to 1979. He later married his second wife Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984 and he and Colley-Lee eventually adopted his step-granddaughter, E’Dena and raised her as their own.

Freeman Paid Homage To Murdered Granddaughter

At the time of E’Dena’s death, Morgan Freeman was extremely distraught, understandably so, and he issued a statement via People, honoring his grandchild:

“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.”

Morgan Freeman Had To BLOCK Granddaughter’s Dad From Major Inheritance

In addition to having to come to turns with the traumatic way his granddaughter died, Morgan Freeman also had a legal issue to fight against E’Dena’s absentee biological father, Edward Lee Hines. Apparently, Freeman took Edward to court because Edward reportedly decided to suddenly resurface after E’Dena’s death, to claim $791,000 of inheritance money that Freeman had set up for E’Dena in a trust fund. Here’s what Morgan told the courts, according to NY Post:

Via NY Post: “In fact, from the time that E’Dena was approximately three and a half years old and until the Thanksgiving before her death, E’Dena met with Edward Lee Hines only one or two times,” Freeman’s statement said. … At no point during that time period were any efforts made by Edward Lee Hines to resume a relationship with E’Dena. At no time did he pay for expenses related to food, clothing or education.”

“Throughout E’Dena’s entire lifetime, my daughter Deena Adair and I were the primary sources of support for E’Dena financially, emotionally, mentally and physically.”

So sad. Throughout all their turmoil, hopefully, Morgan Freeman and family will get some type of justice once the murder trial is wrapped. Rest on E’Dena Hines.