A former Broadway child star who performed in “The Lion King” was killed in a stabbing incident in Edison, New Jersey, and her boyfriend has been charged with murder in connection with her death.
Imani Dia Smith, 26 years old, was found with stab wounds at a residence on Sunday, Dec. 21, in the morning. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35 years old, was arrested without incident and charged in connection with the woman’s death. He faces 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.
Smith and Jackson-Small were in a relationship and shared a three-year-old son together. Investigators determined this was not a random act of violence.
Jackson-Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center pending a pretrial detention hearing.
Smith played Young Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway from September 27, 2011, to September 23, 2012. Her performance in the iconic Disney musical represented one of the highlights of her early career as a performer. Her mother worked as a hair stylist on Broadway productions, providing a connection to the theater world that shaped Smith’s childhood.
Smith is survived by her parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, two younger siblings, and her toddler son, who now faces growing up without his mother.
Family members created a GoFundMe campaign to support Smith’s relatives during this difficult time. Kira Helper, Smith’s aunt, established the fundraising page to help the family with expenses and to assist Smith’s parents as they step in to raise their grandson.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her,” her aunt wrote. “She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person.”
The fundraising effort has generated significant support from the community, with the campaign raising over $77,000 as contributions continue to climb.
Smith’s brief but memorable stint on Broadway came during her formative years, performing in one of the most successful theatrical productions in history. “The Lion King” has been a fixture on Broadway for decades, introducing countless young performers to professional theater. Smith’s role as Young Nala placed her among a select group of child actors who have graced the Minskoff Theater stage in the beloved production.
The charges filed against Jackson-Small reflect the serious nature of the allegations. First-degree murder represents the most severe homicide charge in New Jersey’s criminal justice system. The additional charge of endangering the welfare of a child suggests prosecutors believe a minor was present or affected by the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death. The weapons charges indicate that investigators recovered evidence related to the stabbing that occurred at the Edison residence.
Edison, located in Middlesex County, sits in central New Jersey, approximately 30 miles southwest of New York City. The community has been shaken by the loss of a former performer who once brought joy to Broadway audiences.
Smith’s family now faces the challenge of grieving while simultaneously preparing to raise her young son. The GoFundMe page describes the situation as “unimaginable” for Smith’s parents, who must now support not only their two younger children but also their grandson through this traumatic period. The funds raised will help cover funeral expenses, provide counseling services, and offer financial stability as the family navigates their new reality.
The theatrical community has lost a former member who once represented the next generation of Broadway talent. Smith’s performance years ran from 2011 to 2012, a period when she was developing her skills as what her family described as a “true triple-threat performer” with abilities in singing, dancing, and acting.
The legal proceedings against Jackson-Small will continue as he remains in custody at the corrections facility. The pretrial detention hearing will determine whether he continues to be held without bail as the case moves forward through the New Jersey court system.