Imani Dia Smith, a former Broadway child actress who starred in “The Lion King”, died last Sunday (20) after being stabbed at her home in Edison, New Jersey, according to local authorities. She leaves behind a 3-year-old son.
Officers found Smith, 25, suffering from a stab wound after responding to a call Sunday, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The actress was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators have not said what led to the stabbing or whether other people were present at the time.
Smith played young Nala in the musical “The Lion King”, a Disney production that ran on Broadway from September 27, 2011 to September 23, 2012.
Authorities arrested Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, on Tuesday (23). He was charged with first-degree murder – with intent to kill – endangering the welfare of a minor and illegal possession of weapons, according to prosecutors. The actress’ aunt claimed that Jackson-Small was Smith’s boyfriend.
As of Wednesday evening (24), it was unclear whether Jackson-Small had an attorney.
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