Morgan Freeman's Granddaughter E'Dena Hines Stabbed to Death in New York City

Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter, E'Dena Hines, was found stabbed to death early Sunday morning (Aug. 16) in New York City's Washington Heights. A man is currently being held in police custody in relation to the horrific fatal stabbing.

Police were called to a building on 162nd St. near St. Nicholas Ave. around 2:52 a.m. Sunday, CBS News reports. A woman was found lying in the street in front of the building when police arrived. The woman was rushed to Harlem Hospital Center where she was later pronounced dead. She was later identified as 33-year-old E'Dena Hines of Washington Heights. Hines suffered from multilpe stab wounds to the torso. Police confirmed that Hines is the actor's goddaughter but is often referred to as his step-granddaughter.

"The world will never know her artistry in talent, and how much she had to offer," Freeman said in a statement he released about her death. "Her friends and family were fortunate enough to have known what she meant as a person," Freeman continued. "Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace."

Hines studied at New York University's prestigous Graduate Acting Program. She also used her passion to teach "under exposed youth" in Memphis, Tennessee, according to her website. From her personal websites to her social media accounts, it's obvious how much she loved her craft. Acting was a not only a part of her heart, but it was part of her being.

In her most recent blog post, Hines stated people would easily describe her as "energetic, loud, and animated. The rising actress wrote about life lessons and experiences as she journeyed her way through the New York acting community. Hines also displayed projects and film work she'd been a part of.

"There is nothing like being emotionally naked in front of a room full of strangers to make you comfortable real fast," blogged Hines in a July post. "During those two days I was relatively quiet, still even, allowing all the vivacity that would be tumbling out of my mouth to fill up in my body and be released as emotion. But in the days to follow when my scenes where lighter, I found myself slipping back into the jokester."

The 30-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently being held under police surveillance at New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center.