Lion King child actress Imani Smith dies after stabbing; boyfriend charged with murder
Imani Smith, a former child actress who played Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, has died after being stabbed on December 21.
In a press release, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office announced Ms Smith died of stab wounds, adding her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, has been arrested.
“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 statement said.
It added, “Smith was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where she was ultimately pronounced deceased.”
The prosecutor said Ms Smith’s boyfriend has been charged with murder and other counts.
“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 statement said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Spain’s World Cup history makers receive heroes’ homecoming
Mr Sánchez said, “Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory. We have truly enjoyed watching you play.”
Abuja
Alleged Land Fraud: Judge orders EFCC to produce estate agent in court
Ms Abdulmalik gave the order after the EFCC counsel, Benedict Ubi, made an application to the effect.
Heading 5
Iyabo Obasanjo berates Ogun APC governorship candidate Yayi over comment on state treasury
Ms Obasanjo accused Mr Adeola of suffering from trust deficit.
NationWide
Global hunger reduces across continents, trade disruption looms, says UN
According to the UN experts, global hunger is projected to keep falling by 2030.
Hot news Home top
People talk about everything I do, Cardi B reacts to Okoye dating rumours
The rapper in a short clip posted on her Instagram story on Monday compared herself to modern pop musician, Britney Spears.
States
Accord Lagos assembly candidate tasks political leaders on effective dialogue, accountability
Mr Ajibola called for greater youth participation in governance.
