Lion King Star Imani Smith Fatally Stabbed

This is a tough one. Imani Dia Smith, who performed as a kid in Broadway's 'The Lion King,' has died after a stabbing in Edison, New Jersey. She was 26. Here is what officials and her family have said so far.

What happened

Police were called to a residence on Grove Avenue at about 9:18 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, for a reported stabbing. Officers found Smith with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Investigators say this was not a random attack. According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, Smith and the suspect knew each other. The investigation is still active.

Who she was

Smith was a former child performer who appeared in 'The Lion King' on Broadway. Her family shared a statement through a GoFundMe set up by her aunt:

'Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person.'

She is survived by her 3-year-old son, along with her parents, siblings, and extended family.

An arrest and the charges

On Tuesday, December 23, prosecutors announced an arrest in the case. Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, has been charged and is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center while he awaits a pre-trial detention hearing. Authorities emphasized these are accusations and he is presumed innocent under the law.

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child
• Third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon

What officials are not saying

Investigators confirmed Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other but have not released details about their relationship or what led up to the stabbing. That part remains unclear for now.

I will update if authorities or the family share more.