Imani Smith, a young actress best known for her role as Young Nala in the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King, was fatally assaulted in a stabbing incident that the police labeled as a murder. The child actress, who had just reached the age of 10, was said to be discovered on December 21, with the police revealing that she had endured a fatal stab wound, according to Deadline.
Swat that was stationed in Edison New Jersey on 911 call found Imani Smith bleeding profusely due to Multiple stab wounds. Being in a serious state she was immediately taken to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where she was confirmed dead shortly after.
The alleged murderer of Imani, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, who was her boyfriend at the time, was taken the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office as a murder charge. According to authorities, Smith and Jackson-Small were in a relationship, and violence between them was nothing new. Kira Helper, the aunt of the late Smith, also mentioned Jackson-Small as her niece’s boyfriend in a post for GoFundMe.
Jackson-Small was taken into custody in a very easy manner and charged with various crimes including first-degree murder, second-degree child endangerment, third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree illegal possession of a weapon. It was announced that he is, at present, being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
Smith’s aunt paid a sentimental tribute, portraying her as a lively and talented artist. “Imani had her whole life ahead of her. According to the author, Smith, in her role as Young Nala, epitomized the bliss and inventiveness she scattered around. She characterized Smith as “a highly energetic, loving and strong-willed personality—a complete package performer,” just to mention a few praises.
In this hard period, a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of USD 55,000 has been set up to provide financial help to Smith’s parents.
Imani Smith is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, her aunt, and two younger siblings.
