At a Glance
- 26-year-old former Broadway actress Imani Dia Smith was stabbed to death in Edison, New Jersey, on Dec. 21.
- 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
- Smith’s 3-year-old son and her parents are seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign.
- Why it matters: The case highlights a tragic loss of a young performer and raises questions about domestic violence and community safety.
Imani Dia Smith, a former child actress on Broadway, was fatally stabbed earlier this week in New Jersey, a state official has announced.
The Incident
Smith was found with stab wounds at a residence in Edison on the morning of Dec. 21, according to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The arrest of Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, followed; officials say he and Smith knew each other prior to the incident.
- Stab wounds discovered at Edison residence
- Pronounced dead at local hospital
- Jordan D. Jackson-Small arrested for murder
Family Response and GoFundMe
A family member set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Smith’s parents and her 3-year-old son. The organizer stated the victim was senselessly killed by her boyfriend.
GoFundMe organizer stated:
> “senselessly killed by her boyfriend.”
Smith’s aunt, who identified herself on the page, described her as vivacious, loving and fiercely talented.
Aunt wrote:
> “A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King – an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”
Charges
| Charge | Status |
|---|---|
| First-degree murder | Charged |
| Child endangerment | Charged |
| Weapons | Charged |
Jackson-Small is being held at a correctional center as of Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- Imani Dia Smith was a former Broadway actress killed in a stabbing on Dec. 21.
- Jordan D. Jackson-Small arrested for first-degree murder.
- Family seeks support for 3-year-old son and funeral expenses via GoFundMe.
The tragic death of Imani Dia Smith underscores the urgency of addressing domestic violence and ensuring community safety in New Jersey.
