Share and Follow
Imani Smith (GoFundMe).
Authorities from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office detailed the grim discovery in a recent press release. Police arrived at a residence on Grove Avenue in Edison around 9:18 a.m. Sunday, responding to reports of a stabbing incident. Inside, they found 26-year-old Imani Smith severely wounded. Despite being swiftly transported to the hospital, she tragically succumbed to her injuries.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, authorities apprehended 35-year-old Jordan Jackson-Small, identified by Smith’s family as her boyfriend. He now faces a slew of serious charges, including first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and both unlawful possession and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. He remains detained at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
As the investigation continues, police have yet to disclose a motive or the circumstances that led to this horrific act. They urge anyone with relevant information to contact Det. Kirsh from the Edison Police Department at 732-718-8064 or Det. Ankudowicz from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8083. The community remains in shock, grieving the loss of a young woman who had so much potential ahead of her.
Cops have not revealed a motive for the slaying or what led up to it. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Det. Kirsh of the Edison Police Department at 732-718-8064 or Det. Ankudowicz of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8083.
According to Playbill, Smith starred as Young Nala in The Lion King from 2011 to 2012. Kira Helper, Smith’s niece, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup and legal costs for the family.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person,” Helper wrote. “A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King — an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”
Smith leaves behind a 3-year-old son who will now be raised by her parents.
