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Morgan Freeman's granddaughter's boyfriend pleads not guilty

New York - The boyfriend of Morgan Freeman's granddaughter pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a second-degree murder charge in her stabbing death, and newly released documents show he ranted about Jesus Christ and the devil to officers after his arrest.

"I don't even know why I'm here right now," Lamar Davenport told two police officers at a Manhattan precinct station house shortly after he was arrested on 16 August while standing over Edena Hines' body, a knife still sticking out of her chest, according to prosecutors.

Twenty minutes later, while being driven to a hospital, the 30-year-old Davenport called Jesus Christ "saviour" and the devil "evil" before telling the officers to "repent for your sins," the court papers show. He also asked the officers if they believed in Jesus and complained his handcuffs were too tight, according to court papers.

"Beloved to her family and friends, E'Dena Hines had recently returned to New York City to pursue her acting career, but her life was tragically cut short before she could achieve her dreams," Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said in a statement.

A lawyer representing Davenport didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. She told a judge on Tuesday that her client was set to undergo a psychiatric evaluation on Thursday, the Daily News reported.

Hines, 33, is the granddaughter of the Oscar-winning actor.

She was discovered on a street with at least 15 stab wounds to her chest and body.

After he was arrested, Davenport was taken to a hospital where he was given sedatives, according to the court documents. He then awoke screaming: "Why did this happen? No, no! Why God?" the court papers show.

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