Imani Dia Smith, a former child performer who appeared on Broadway in The Lion King, has died after being stabbed in New Jersey, authorities confirmed. The 26-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds at a residence in Edison and was transported to a local hospital. Law enforcement officials have described the incident as not “a random act of violence” and said the investigation is ongoing.
Imani Smith, who starred in The Lion King as a child, dies
Imani Dia Smith, a former child performer who appeared in Broadway’s The Lion King, has died following a stabbing in Edison, New Jersey. She was 26, according to a statement released by local authorities.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said police responded to a residence on Grove Avenue at approximately 9:18 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, after receiving a 911 call reporting a stabbing. Officers found Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Prosecutors confirmed that the incident was not “a random act of violence” and that Smith and the suspect were acquainted. As the investigation continues, Smith’s family later shared a statement through a GoFundMe page organized by her aunt.
The statement read, “Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person.” The family confirmed that Smith is survived by her 3-year-old son, as well as her parents, siblings, and extended relatives.
Police arrest suspect for allegedly killing Imani Smith from The Lion King
Authorities in New Jersey have also announced the arrest of a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of Smith. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Tuesday, December 23, that 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small has been charged following the investigation.
According to prosecutors, Jackson-Small is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He has also been charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Officials stressed that the charges are accusations and that the suspect is presumed innocent under the law.
Investigators stated that Smith and Jackson-Small were known to each other. However, they declined to reveal further details about their relationship or the events that led to the stabbing. Jackson-Small is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center while awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
