Morgan Freeman has paid tribute to his step-granddaughter, 33-year-old actress E'Dena Hines, after she was killed in a knife attack outside her New York home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Hines, the granddaughter of Freeman's first wife Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, sustained multiple stab wounds to her torso and was taken to hospital in Harlem where she was pronounced dead.
The New York Police Department arrested a 30-year-old man who was found at the scene.
The 78-year-old Million Dollar Baby star released a statement following Hines' death, which read: "The world will never know her artistry in talent, and how much she had to offer."
It continued: "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 and step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines arrive at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel January 16, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California
