Imani Smith, who performed as a child in the Broadway musical “The Lion King,” was stabbed to death over the weekend, according to law enforcement authorities in New Jersey.

Police were called early Sunday morning to a home in the town of Edison following a report of a stabbing.

Officers found Smith, a woman in her twenties, suffering from severe stab wounds.

She was rushed to hospital, where doctors were later forced to pronounce her dead.

The investigation led to the arrest of Jordan D. Jackson-Small, aged thirty-five, whom authorities say was known to the victim prior to the incident.

Police did not disclose the nature of their relationship, but members of Smith’s family have stated that he was her partner.

Jackson-Small has been charged with 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 being held in a local detention facility and is awaiting a court hearing.

Smith’s family has launched a fundraising campaign in which they described her as “a vibrant, loving person with extraordinary talent”.

They said that “Imani had her whole life ahead of her”.

She is survived by her three-year-old child, her parents, and two brothers.

As a child, Smith performed for about a year as Young Nala in the Broadway production of “The Lion King,” a role that brought her significant public attention.

Figures from the theatre community noted that even at a young age, she stood out for her talent and strong stage presence.

The investigation into her death is ongoing.