Edison Man Charged With Murder in Fatal Stabbing of 26-Year-Old Woman, Prosecutors Say

EDISON, N.J. — A 35-year-old Edison man has been charged with murder after prosecutors say a woman was fatally stabbed inside a township home Sunday morning — a case authorities say was not random.

What authorities say happened

Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan said police received a 911 call at about 9:18 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, reporting a stabbing.

When officers arrived at a residence on Grove Avenue, they found Imani Smith, 26, of Edison, suffering from stab wounds, officials said. Smith was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Suspect identified and charges filed

Authorities identified the defendant as Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, of Edison. He has been charged with:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child Patch+1
• Third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon Patch+1

Officials said investigators determined Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other, and authorities do not believe the stabbing was a random act of violence.

Court status

Jackson-Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the outcome of a pretrial detention hearing, officials said.

Investigation ongoing

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Edison Police said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact:

• Detective Kirsh, Edison Police Department: 732-718-8064
• Detective Ankudowicz, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office: 732-745-8083

Important note

Criminal charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

— The Garden State Gazette
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