Former Broadway Star Imani Dia smith Killed Days Before Christmas; Man Charged with Murder
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A former Broadway performer, Imani Dia Smith, was fatally stabbed at her New Jersey home on December 21, 2025, just days before Christmas. A 35-year-old man, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the tragic incident.
Rising Star Cut Short
Imani Dia Smith, 26, was discovered with stab wounds at her residence and pronounced dead upon arrival at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.Smith gained recognition for her role as Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King from 2011 to 2012. The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest following an examination led by detectives from the Edison Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Relationship Confirmed, Not Random Act
Authorities have stated that the killing was not a random act of violence, revealing that Smith and Jackson-Small were acquainted prior to the incident. According to a press release, the investigation “led to the arrest of Jordan D. Jackson-small…moreover, Smith and jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence.”
Jackson-Small faces a series of charges, including 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. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a pre-trial detention hearing.
GoFundMe Launched to Support Son
smith is survived by a three-year-old son. Following her death, her aunt, Kira helper, established a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and provide therapy for the child.As of December 25,2025,the campaign has raised over $48,000 of its $55,000 goal.
Helper described Smith as a “vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person” and a “true triple-threat performer.” She added, “Imani had her whole life ahead of her.”
Ongoing Investigation & Presumption of Innocence
The Middlesex county Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with facts related to the case to contact the Edison Police Department or the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities emphasized that all charges against Jackson-Small are currently allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. As with all criminal defendants, the charges are allegations.
Why: Imani Dia smith, a former Broadway performer, was killed in a stabbing incident.
Who: Imani Dia Smith, 26, was the victim. Jordan D. Jackson-Small,35,was arrested and charged with her murder.
What: Smith was found with stab wounds at her New Jersey home and pronounced dead. Jackson-Small faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
How did it end?: Jackson-Small was arrested and is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Centre pending a pre-trial detention hearing. The investigation is ongoing, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Smith’s three-year-old son.
