Imani Smith (GoFundMe).

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the incident in a press release. Law enforcement officers responded to a call about a stabbing at a residence on Grove Avenue in Edison at 9:18 a.m. on Sunday. Upon their arrival, they discovered 26-year-old Imani Smith with severe stab wounds. She was immediately transported to a hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Soon after the incident, police apprehended 35-year-old Jordan Jackson-Small, identified by Smith’s family as her boyfriend. Jackson-Small is now facing charges of first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He is currently detained at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.

The authorities have not yet disclosed any possible motives behind the attack or the circumstances leading up to it. The investigation remains active, and officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Kirsh of the Edison Police Department at 732-718-8064 or Detective Ankudowicz of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8083.

As reported by Playbill, Imani Smith played the role of Young Nala in “The Lion King” from 2011 to 2012. In the wake of her tragic death, Smith’s niece, Kira Helper, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs, crime scene cleanup, and legal expenses for the family.

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.