Imani Dia Smith died at age 25, and the police arrested a man in connection with the murder.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department confirmed Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, who was dating Imani, was arrested and 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 Broadway actress, known for her role in The Lion King, was found with stab wounds on December 21, 2025 when authorities responded to a 911 call received at 9:18 p.m EST. She was transported to a New Jersey hospital, but did not survive, according to a press release from Middlesex…