Who Is Jordan D. Jackson-Small? Imani Smith’s Boyfriend Charged in Killing

A former Broadway child actor who once captured hearts as Young Nala in The Lion King is at the center of a tragic homicide case that has stunned the theater community and residents of central New Jersey. Imani Dia Smith, 25, was fatally stabbed inside her Edison home last week, and her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been charged with her murder, according to prosecutors.

Police say officers responded to an emergency call on December 21, 2025, and found Smith with multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to a local hospital but later died from her injuries. Investigators say the attack was not random and involved someone known to the victim.

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Suspect Arrested Without Incident

Authorities identified Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, as Smith’s boyfriend and arrested him without incident. He is facing first-degree murder, second-degree child endangerment, and multiple weapons charges. Jackson-Small is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.

Prosecutors have not released a motive, but officials confirmed that a young child was present in the home at the time of the incident, a key factor in the child endangerment charge. The child was not physically harmed, police said.

What We Know About the Case

Who Is Jordan D. Jackson-Small?

Little is publicly known about Jordan D. Jackson-Small beyond his connection to the case. Authorities and family members have confirmed he was in a relationship with Smith at the time of her death. Court documents show prosecutors are pursuing multiple charges, highlighting what they describe as a serious and violent incident involving both illegal weapons and a child’s safety.

Remembering Imani Smith

Smith rose to fame as a child performer on Broadway and was remembered by loved ones as a lively, caring, and talented individual. Though she later stepped away from the stage, family members say she remained deeply passionate about art and creativity.

She is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, and two younger siblings. A GoFundMe fundraiser launched by her aunt is helping cover funeral expenses, counseling, and long-term care for her child.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials say the investigation is still active, and further details will be released as the case moves through the court system. Community members and members of the Broadway world have expressed grief and disbelief over Smith’s death, calling it a heartbreaking loss.

Authorities are urging anyone affected by domestic violence to seek help and reminding the public that support resources are available nationwide as the legal process continues.

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about her:

1. Who is Jordan D. Jackson-Small?

Jordan D. Jackson-Small is a 35-year-old man from Edison, New Jersey. He has been identified as the boyfriend of former Broadway actor Imani Dia Smith and has been charged in connection with her death.

2. What happened to Imani Smith?

Imani Smith, who played Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, was found with multiple stab wounds inside her New Jersey home on December 21, 2025. She later died from her injuries at a hospital.

3. What charges is Jordan D. Jackson-Small facing?

Prosecutors have charged Jordan D. Jackson-Small with first-degree murder, second-degree child endangerment, and several weapons-related offenses.

4. Was a child present during the incident?

Yes. Authorities confirmed that Smith’s three-year-old son was present in the home at the time of the incident but was not physically harmed.

5. What do we know about the investigation so far?

Police say the incident was not random and involved someone known to Smith. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not yet released details about a motive.