Lion King’ Broadway Star Imani Dia Smith Killed; Boyfriend Arrested

Updated Dec. 25, 2025, 4:38 p.m.ET

Former Broadway performer Imani Dia smith died in a fatal stabbing in central New Jersey, and her boyfriend has been charged in connection with her murder.

The 26-year-old mother, who as a child starred in the Broadway production of “The Lion King,” was found with multiple stab wounds Sunday morning, Dec. 21, prosecutors said in a press release. First responders transported her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Jordan Jackson-Small, 35, was arrested shortly after. Prosecutors state the two knew each othre, confirming this was not a random act of violence. Jackson-Small was Smith’s boyfriend, according to her GoFundMe page.