NEW YORK - E'Dena Hines, the step-granddaughter of actor Morgan Freeman, was fatally stabbed early Sunday outside her Manhattan home.

A New York Police Department statement said a 30-year-old man, which some media reports have claimed to be Ms Hines' ex-boyfriend, was taken into custody.

Ms Hines, 33, was found lying by the sidewalk outside her home on W. 162nd Street at about 3am, reported People Magazine.

The granddaughter of Mr Freeman's first wife suffered multiple stab wounds to her torso. She was taken to Harlem Hospital but died from her injuries.

Police investigations are ongoing, while a knife was also recovered from the scene.

An eyewitness, 65-year-old George Hudacko, claimed that the man arrested was heard standing over Ms Hines' body and screaming.

"Get out, devils! I cast you out, devils!" he allegedly shouted.

The Oscar-winning actor paid tribute to his granddaughter in an emotional statement.

"The world will never know her artistry in talent, and how much she had to offer.

"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."

A profile on Ms Hines' website stated that she was an actor and writer who enrolled in New York University's prestigious Graduate Acting Program.

She moved on to teaching "under-exposed youths" in Memphis, Tennessee, after finding acting opportunities limited.