Former Broadway child actress, 25, killed in New Jersey stabbing

Friday, December 26, 2025 -In a devastating incident that has shocked the entertainment world and local community, former Broadway child actress Imani Dia Smith was fatally stabbed at her home in Edison, New Jersey, on December 21, 2025. 

Police responding to a 911 call discovered Smith with multiple stab wounds and she was pronounced dead at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital shortly thereafter. Officials have confirmed the death a homicide, and the case has prompted widespread emotional reactions online and from those who knew her work.

Authorities swiftly arrested 35‑year‑old Jordan D. Jackson‑Small, identified as Smith’s boyfriend, and charged him with first‑degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and multiple weapons offenses. 

Prosecutors stated the attack was not random and that Jackson‑Small and Smith were known to each other prior to the tragedy. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center as the investigation continues and awaits a pre‑trial hearing.

Smith is survived by her 3‑year‑old son, parents, siblings, and extended family, who have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs, therapy for her son, legal fees, and related expenses. 

Donations have poured in rapidly, reflecting the urgent support from fans and the broader community. Her family and supporters continue to honor her memory and call for justice as the legal process unfolds.