Broadway actress stabbed to death, suspect arrested

Smith's boyfriend was arrested and charged in connection with her murder, reports said.

Published: December 27, 2025 10:57am

Updated: December 27, 2025 12:20pm

Imani Dia Smith, a former Broadway child star who played Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King, was stabbed to death in New Jersey.

Smith's boyfriend was arrested and charged in connection with her murder, reports said. 

Her body was found on December 21 with stab wounds, and she was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Smith, 26, was later pronounced dead.

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