'Lion King' Child Star Imani Smith Killed; Boyf...

By Hollie Silverman

Deputy Weekend Editor

ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

Imani Smith, a former Broadway child star best known for portraying Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King, was killed earlier this week, prosecutors said in a press release Tuesday.

Smith, 26, was fatally stabbed in Edison, New Jersey, on December 21, authorities said.

Authorities have arrested her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, in connection with the killing. He 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 press release said.

It's unclear if Jackson-Small has a lawyer. Newsweek reached out to a GoFundMe page posted by Smith's family for further comment.

The Context

The death of Smith has sparked widespread mourning within the theater community and beyond.

Smith played the role of Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King from September 27, 2011, to September 23, 2012. Her mother, Monique Rance-Helper, is a prominent hairstylist on Broadway and television, according to Playbill.

Smith is survived by her 3-year-old son, her parents, and two younger siblings. Her family is now organizing efforts to care for her child and manage funeral costs.

...

What To Know

Authorities in Edison, New Jersey, responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at a residence on Grove Avenue at 9:18 a.m. on December 21.

Arriving officers discovered Smith suffering from stab wounds and transported her to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was pronounced dead.

An investigation led by detectives from the Edison Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office resulted in the arrest of her boyfriend Jackson-Small.

He 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.

Jackson-Small was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a pre-trial detention hearing.

A motive has not been publicly disclosed as of the latest updates and anyone with relevant information has been urged to contact the Edison Police Department or Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than $48,000 as of Christmas Eve. Proceeds are designated for funeral and memorial expenses, trauma therapy for the family, legal fees related to the criminal proceedings, and ongoing care for Smith’s son and their family pet.

What People Are Saying

Kira Helper, Imani Smith’s aunt and GoFundMe organizer, wrote: “Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person. A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s 'Lion King'—an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”

Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office stated in a press release on December 23: “Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence. As with all criminal defendants, the charges against Jackson-Small are just allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

What Happens Next

Jackson-Small remains in custody pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Middlesex County, New Jersey.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death is ongoing. Family, friends, and supporters continue fundraising efforts to support Smith’s son and her parents as they take on his care and manage legal and memorial obligations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788.

Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines