Edison, 35, was arrested and charged Sunday morning in the fatal stabbing of a former Broadway performer, authorities said.
It’s Jordan D. Jackson-Small are charged with first-degree murder and second-degree wanton endangerment child welfare following the death of 26-year-old Imani Dia Smith. The incident happened a few days before Christmas in one of the residences on Grove Avenue. The second-degree endangerment charge reflects the grim reality that Smith’s 3-year-old son may have been present during the violent encounter.
According to Middlesex County District Attorney Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan, authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at 9:18 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2025. Upon arrival, officers found Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds. Smith was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Domestic violence investigation
The initial investigation, led by Detective Kevin Kirsch of the Edison Police Department and Detective Olivia Ankudovich of the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, identified Jackson-Small as a suspect. The officials have confirmed that the victim and the accused were acquainted before the incident. The family has since identified Jackson-Small as Smith’s friend.
In addition to murder and child endangerment, Jackson-Small is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a preliminary detention hearing.
Heritage on stage
The loss sent shockwaves through the performing arts community. Smith was a gifted artist who achieved professional success at an early age, most notably as Young Nala in Disney’s Broadway production. The Lion King. His character was a cornerstone of his early career, a role that required both tremendous technical discipline and a natural charisma that family members say he channeled into every aspect of his life.
His family described him as “a true triple threat performer”. whose creativity and joy left a lasting impression on those around him. He left behind his 3-year-old son, his parents and two younger siblings.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vibrant, loving and fiercely talented individual. A true triple threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in the Disney film. The Lion King “An experience that reflected the joy, creativity and light she brought to the world,” her aunt, Kira Helper, wrote on a GoFundMe page for her fallen niece. “He was a lively, loving and fiercely talented man.”
Support for the family
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Smith’s parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Raunie Helper.as they will navigate the liability of a sudden increase their grandson. In addition to immediate funeral costs, the family is grappling with the logistical and psychological effects of the tragedy, including specialist trauma counseling for the young man and the high costs of legal aid as they prepare for the upcoming criminal trial. The family asked for $75,000 and is close to the goal.
The family noted the particular difficulties of Smith’s mother, a Broadway and film hairstylist, whose freelance income significantly affects the time required for mourning and administrative tasks. The fund is also intended to provide long-term support for Smith’s son and the family’s two young children.
The investigation remains active and continuous. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Kirsch at 732-718-8064 or Detective Ankudovich at 732-745-8083.
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