EDISON, NJ – A 25-year-old woman who performed as Young Nala in the Broadway production of “The Lion King” as a child was found stabbed to death at her New Jersey home Sunday morning, with her boyfriend now facing murder charges.
Imani Dia Smith was discovered with multiple stab wounds when police responded to a residence in Edison. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, was arrested and charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses in connection with Smith’s death, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.
A 3-year-old child was present in the home at the time of the fatal stabbing, authorities said.
Prosecutors confirmed that Jackson-Small and Smith “knew each other prior to the incident,” though they did not elaborate on the nature of their relationship. A GoFundMe memorial established by Smith’s aunt identified Jackson-Small as her boyfriend.
Smith performed in Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, according to Playbill. She was part of the celebrated cast that brought the Tony Award-winning musical to life at the Minskoff Theatre in Manhattan.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death remains ongoing. Jackson-Small is being held pending a court appearance.
Family members and members of the Broadway community have expressed shock and grief over the loss of the young performer.
