New Jersey – The death of Imani Dia Smith, a former Broadway actress and young mother, has sent shockwaves through the theater community and renewed urgent conversations about domestic violence and intimate partner crime.
Smith, 26, was found with multiple stab wounds on Dec. 21 in Edison, New Jersey. Authorities said she was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she later died. On Dec. 23, the Edison Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, in connection with the killing.
In a joint statement, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan said investigators determined the incident was “not a random act of violence,” noting that Smith and the suspect knew each other prior to the stabbing. Jackson-Small has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and multiple weapons offenses. He has not entered a plea, and the charges are allegations pending court proceedings.
Smith was widely remembered for her role as Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King, a milestone achievement that reflected her promise as a “triple-threat” performer—equally skilled in acting, singing, and dance. Fellow performers and fans have shared tributes online, describing her as radiant, disciplined, and deeply devoted to her craft.
“She brought joy into every room she entered,” wrote one former castmate in a public post. “Imani represented the future of theater—talented, generous, and fearless.”
Beyond the stage, Smith was a mother to a 3-year-old son. Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $65,000, surpassing its initial goal. The funds are intended to cover funeral and memorial expenses, trauma counseling for her son and family members, legal and administrative costs, and ongoing care for her child and beloved dog.
Advocates note that cases like Smith’s underscore a troubling national pattern. According to data from the CDC and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a significant share of female homicide victims are killed by intimate partners—a reality that continues to cut across age, profession, and background.
As the legal process unfolds, Smith’s family and supporters say their focus remains on preserving her legacy and protecting the child she leaves behind. In the words shared on the fundraiser page, “Imani had her whole life ahead of her—and her light will not be forgotten.”