Broadway Lion King alum dies after stabbing.
On Sunday morning, police responded to a stabbing in a residential home in Edison, New Jersey. The victim was 26‑year‑old Imani Dia Smith.
Smith, known for portraying young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King from 2011 to 2012, was transported to a hospital for treatment of stab wounds. She was declared deceased upon arrival.
Edison police later arrested Jordan D. Jackson‑Small, 35, who is reported to have known Smith. He faces first‑degree murder charges as well as second‑degree endangering the welfare of a child and third‑ and fourth‑degree weapons offenses.
Jackson‑Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center pending a court hearing. No attorney has been publicly assigned to his case.
Smith left behind a 3‑year‑old son. A family‑initiated GoFundMe has been launched to support her relatives. Details of her relationship with the suspect were not disclosed beyond the fact that they were acquainted.