URGENT UPDATE: Former Broadway star Imani Dia Smith, known for her role in The Lion King, has tragically died after being stabbed in Edison, New Jersey. The incident occurred on December 21, 2023, and authorities confirm that she was just 26 years old at the time of her death.
Local police responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:18 a.m. on Sunday, where they found Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds at a residence on Grove Avenue. She was immediately rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, but sadly, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Officials from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office have stated that this was not “a random act of violence.” The investigation indicates that Smith and the suspect, identified as Jordan D. Jackson-Small, were acquainted.
In a heart-wrenching statement shared through a GoFundMe page, Smith’s family expressed their devastation, stating, “Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person.” The family confirmed that Smith is survived by her 3-year-old son, along with her parents, siblings, and extended relatives.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have announced the arrest of Jordan D. Jackson-Small, a 35-year-old man charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He also faces charges for possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.
Prosecutors emphasized that these charges are allegations, and Jackson-Small is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center while awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community, especially considering Smith’s promising career and the young life she leaves behind. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.