New Jersey – In a harrowing case in New Jersey that drew nationwide attention, a 35-year-old man, identified as J. Small, is now facing multiple criminal charges after the fatal stabbing of his 26-year-old girlfriend, identified as I. Smith. Small has been charged with first-degree murder, along with additional counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. The charges stem from a violent encounter that unfolded inside Smith’s residence on the morning of Sunday, December 21, where the young mother was brutally attacked in front of her 3-year-old son.
According to the prosecutor’s office, authorities were dispatched to a home at approximately 9:18 a.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a stabbing. Upon arrival, first responders found Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was immediately rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead not long after. Following a swift investigation, Small—who was known to the victim and was in a relationship with her at the time—was arrested without resistance. Prosecutors have made clear that this was not a random attack but a targeted and intentional act of domestic violence. He is currently being held at the county’s adult correctional center as he awaits the outcome of a pre-trial detention hearing.
Smith was more than a mother—she was a performer of rare brilliance, once dazzling Broadway audiences in movies for children. Her career as a triple-threat performer showcased not only her talent but also her radiant spirit, which family members described as “vivacious, loving and fiercely talented.” From the stage to her home life, Smith was known for the light she brought into every space she entered. That light was extinguished in the most senseless way possible, in her own home and in the presence of the child she was raising.
Her aunt, writing on a GoFundMe page created in the days after her death, shared the devastating reality now facing the family. “It is with a tragic and heavy heart that we share the loss of my niece, who was senselessly killed by her boyfriend on the morning of Sunday, December 21st, just ahead of Christmas.” Smith leaves behind a 3-year-old son, her parents, two younger siblings, and a vast network of extended family and friends. In the aftermath of the tragedy, her parents are now not only mourning the loss of their daughter but stepping into the overwhelming role of raising her young child during a time of profound grief. The GoFundMe campaign, which had raised over $60,000, is helping cover funeral and memorial costs, as well as trauma therapy, legal expenses, and ongoing care for Smith’s son and her dog.
The brutal nature of the crime—and the fact that it occurred just days before Christmas, in front of a child—has deepened the community’s anguish. Small, who has not entered a plea, remains incarcerated with no bail as the legal process continues. Authorities have not released further details about what led to the deadly attack, and the investigation remains active. For those who knew Smith, her death represents more than a loss—it’s a cruel interruption of a life full of joy, creativity, and promise. Her memory now lives on not only through her work on stage but in the hearts of those who loved her deeply.
