In recent years, curiosity around E’Dena Hines and her life story has grown again. The rumors of her connection to Morgan Freeman have sparked fresh debate. This article looks deeply into E’Dena Hines, exploring her early life, career, tragic end, and the disputed claims of a relationship with Freeman. Using verified facts and court records, this story separates truth from the tabloid noise surrounding her name.
Quick Bio Table of E’Dena Hines
Fact | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | E’Dena Hines |
Date of Birth | March 4, 1982 |
Place of Birth | United States |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Actress |
Famous For | Roles in The Code, 5 Flights Up, Landing Up |
Relation to Morgan Freeman | Step-granddaughter |
Cause of Death | Multiple stab wounds |
Date of Death | August 16, 2015 |
Place of Death | Manhattan, New York |
Convicted Offender | Lamar Davenport |
Legal Outcome | 20-year prison sentence (2019) |
Legacy | Remembered for her talent and tragic story |
Early Life and Acting Path
E’Dena Hines was born on March 4, 1982, in the United States. She grew up with a love for performing and was determined to become an actress. Over the years, she studied acting and eventually landed roles in films like The Code (2009) and 5 Flights Up (2014). She also worked on an independent movie called Landing Up, completed shortly before her death. Friends described her as passionate, creative, and focused on using her art to help others, especially underprivileged youth.

Family Connection to Morgan Freeman
One of the most misunderstood parts of E’Dena Hines’ life was her relationship with Morgan Freeman. She was the granddaughter of Freeman’s first wife, which made her his step-granddaughter, not his blood relative. Despite this clear family connection, rumors about a romantic link began circulating years before her death. Both Hines and Freeman denied these claims repeatedly. In interviews, Freeman called the stories “hurtful lies.” Yet, tabloids continued to spread the story, blurring fact and speculation.
The Tragic Night in Manhattan
Everything changed on August 16, 2015, when E’Dena Hines was found outside her Washington Heights apartment in Manhattan, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Witnesses heard her screams in the early morning hours. Paramedics rushed her to Harlem Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The cause of death was listed as multiple stab wounds, and her loss devastated her family and friends. Her funeral was held privately, with only close relatives invited to say goodbye.
Lamar Davenport and the Crime
At the time of the incident, E’Dena Hines was in a relationship with Lamar Davenport, an aspiring rapper and actor. Authorities later revealed that he had been under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he fatally stabbed her more than a dozen times. Police officers arriving on the scene found Davenport in a disturbed state, shouting incoherently over her body. He was arrested immediately and charged with murder, which later became a first-degree manslaughter case after the trial began.
Court Case and Sentencing
After a lengthy trial, Lamar Davenport was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in January 2019 for killing E’Dena Hines. The judge sentenced him to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. In April 2023, the New York Appellate Division upheld this conviction, confirming that the evidence presented by prosecutors including witness accounts and forensic proof was overwhelming. This decision officially closed the legal chapter on her death but left emotional scars for her loved ones that may never heal.
Rumors About Morgan Freeman Resurface
During Davenport’s trial, his defense team made a shocking claim: that E’Dena Hines had supposedly told others she was involved in a romantic relationship with Morgan Freeman. This statement revived years-old gossip that had first appeared in tabloids back in 2009. However, no solid evidence was ever presented in court to prove this. Both Freeman and Hines, while she was alive, had already denied such allegations. Major outlets and fact-checking platforms like Snopes and People magazine confirmed that these rumors were unproven and false.
Morgan Freeman’s Response and Public Grief
Following her death, Morgan Freeman publicly expressed his heartbreak, calling the incident “tragic and senseless.” He described E’Dena Hines as a bright young woman full of potential and kindness. Freeman also continued to reject any romantic link to her, explaining that she was family and that such stories were deeply painful. Despite these clear denials, online discussions kept repeating the false claim, distracting attention from the true tragedy of E’Dena Hines’ murder.
Media Coverage and Fact Checking
Media outlets played a major role in spreading both the facts and the fiction. Reliable publications like Time, Vanity Fair, and CBS News focused on the real story the violent death of a young actress and the conviction of her boyfriend. However, some gossip sites twisted the story, emphasizing the so-called “Freeman relationship.” Fact-checking agencies quickly intervened, clarifying that the claims were baseless. E’Dena Hines and Morgan Freeman have never been shown to share anything beyond a step-family bond, and no verified reports ever suggested otherwise.
Life, Dreams, and Final Roles
Although much of the discussion about E’Dena Hines centers on her tragic end, her life was filled with ambition and artistic promise. Her performances in The Code, 5 Flights Up, and Landing Up highlighted her growing confidence on screen. The last film, released posthumously, became a symbol of her dedication to acting. She was also remembered by colleagues from the ABC program What Would You Do?, who spoke warmly about her compassion and enthusiasm.

Remembering the Real E’Dena Hines
Today, E’Dena Hines is remembered as more than a victim. She was an actress, a daughter, and a woman who cared deeply about helping others. Her story touches on important issues—substance abuse, domestic violence, and how quickly false rumors can spread. While some headlines focused on Morgan Freeman, the real focus should remain on justice for E’Dena Hines and on raising awareness of the violence that took her life.
Legacy and Lessons
Her death teaches a painful lesson about how quickly misinformation can overshadow truth. The rumor about the Morgan Freeman E’Dena Hines relationship continues to circulate online, even though it has been thoroughly debunked. The facts are clear: she died from multiple stab wounds, her boyfriend Lamar Davenport was found guilty, and Freeman had no romantic involvement with her. Her story stands as a reminder that respecting victims means sticking to facts, not speculation.
Conclusion
The story of E’Dena Hines remains one of heartbreak, misunderstanding, and resilience. Behind the headlines and rumors was a young woman with dreams, kindness, and talent. Her murder in 2015 by Lamar Davenport revealed the devastating effects of violence and addiction, while the rumors surrounding Morgan Freeman showed how misinformation can distort truth. Remembering E’Dena Hines for her work, compassion, and spirit rather than the gossip is the most respectful way to honor her memory. Her life continues to remind the world that empathy, truth, and integrity matter far more than scandal.
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