Tragic Death
Imani Dia Smith, 26, a former Broadway star, died after being stabbed over the weekend. She played young Nala in “The Lion King” from 2011 to 2012.
On Sunday morning, Edison police responded to a home after receiving reports of a stabbing. They rushed Smith to a hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries.
Family Speaks Out
Smith’s aunt set up a GoFundMe to support the family. She wrote that Smith was killed by her boyfriend. The 26-year-old leaves behind a 3-year-old son.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her,” her aunt said. “She was vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented.”
Smith’s mother works as a hairstylist and has contributed to Broadway and TV productions, including “The Lion King” show and the film adaptation of “In the Heights.”
Arrest Made
Authorities arrested 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small in connection with the stabbing. He had previously been in a relationship with Smith, and they share a child.
The prosecutor charged him with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Jackson-Small remains in the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center while awaiting a court hearing. As of Thursday, court records do not list an attorney for him.
