Broadway 'Lion King' star Imani Smith found dead at 25 in New Jersey home, boyfriend arrested
EDISON, NEW JERSEY: Imani Dia Smith, a former Broadway performer best known for playing Young Nala in ‘The Lion King’, was found stabbed at a home in Edison, New Jersey, on Sunday, December 21.
Police say her longtime boyfriend has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal attack that has shocked her fans.
Fatal stabbing shocks New Jersey
Officers from the Edison Police Department responded around 9.18 am to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at a residence on Grove Avenue, where they found Smith with multiple stab wounds.
She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, but doctors pronounced her dead after arrival.
Police arrested 35-year-old Jordan D Jackson-Small without incident. He has been charged with first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful possession of a weapon, and related offenses.
Authorities have not yet released a public motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
In a press release, authorities say that Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence.
Imani Smith’s aunt urges support for family
Smith’s aunt, Kira Helper, wrote in a GoFundMe statement that Smith and Jackson-Small were in a relationship, and described Smith as a “vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person” with her whole life ahead of her.
The fundraiser aims to cover funeral and memorial expenses, cleanup at the home, trauma therapy for family members, legal fees, and care for Smith’s three-year-old son and her dog.
The campaign has drawn support from friends, fans, and members of the theatre community who have shared condolences and contributions to help the grieving family during the holiday season.
A former child actor with a lasting legacy
Smith, 25, began her career as a child actress and earned recognition for portraying Young Nala in the Broadway production of 'The Lion King' from 2011 to 2012.
She is survived by her young son, her parents, and two siblings, who are now caring for the child while coping with the loss.
The GoFundMe page states that Smith’s mother, Monique Rance-Helper, works as a hairdresser on Broadway and in television and film.
Her IMDb profile lists more than 25 hairstyling credits since 2010, including 'The Housemaid' (2024) and 'Smile' (2022).
Jackson-Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of his pre-trial detention hearing.
No trial date has been set, and investigators continue to review evidence as they work toward a court hearing.
