Former child Broadway star Imani Smith, known for her role as Young Nala in Disney’s “The Lion King,” succumbed to stab wounds on Christmas Day, with her boyfriend now facing murder charges in connection with the attack, authorities said.
The 26-year-old actress from Edison was found with multiple injuries at a home on Grove Avenue following a distress call early on December 21, and was rushed to hospital where she later died, according to prosecutors.3aad10
“On December 21, 2025, at 9:18 a.m., authorities received a 911 call reporting a stabbing. Upon their arrival to a residence on Grove Avenue, they discovered Imani Smith, 26, of Edison with stab wounds,” the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
“Smith was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where she was ultimately pronounced deceased,” it added.
Her partner, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, along with additional counts including 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.
“Mr Jordan has been charged with 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,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
Smith rose to fame as a young performer in the iconic musical adaptation of the animated film, captivating audiences with her portrayal of the lioness cub.
