Arrested: Ross Wardlaw, 41, Boise

Charges: Murder – First Degree (F)

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Boise Police arrested suspect Ross Wardlaw, following an investigation into the murder of Jordan Harbst. Evidence indicates shortly after midnight on Monday, Wardlaw attacked Harbst as Harbst was traveling along the Boise River Greenbelt near 11th St. Wardlaw stabbed Harbst multiple times, leading to his death. Following an investigation detectives identified Wardlaw as the suspect in this case, and he was taken into custody around 3:30 pm. He was later booked into the Ada County jail on the listed charge. Wardlaw and Harbst were not known to each other and there was no known altercation prior to the stabbing.

“Our hearts are with the family and friends of Jordan Harbst. Boise Police detectives, officers, and professional staff have been working around the clock to find answers and locate the person responsible for Jordan’s tragic death,” said Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison. “A crime of this nature is rare for the City of Boise, and we recognize the fear that a violent incident like this brings to our community. As a department we are committed to not only ensuring your safety but also your peace of mind. We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the details of this investigation.”

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone who may have had contact with Wardlaw in the days leading up to this incident or after to contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.

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Previously released: July 8, 2026

The Ada County Coroner has identified the victim located on the Boise River Greenbelt on July 6, 2026, as 25-year-old Jordan Harbst.

The investigation, in coordination with the Ada County Coroner’s Office, is ongoing. To protect the integrity of the investigation, detectives are not releasing the manner of death at this time.

Since the investigation began, detectives have been working to process the crime scene. They have been collecting evidence, conducting interviews, contacting known individuals who frequent the Greenbelt, and canvassing for surveillance video from the Capitol Boulevard area west to Americana Boulevard. As the investigation continues, detectives are expanding those efforts and are asking for the public’s assistance.

“Our detectives have been working tirelessly since this investigation began, following every lead and speaking with members of our community,” said Boise Police Sgt. Justin Kendall. “Now we’re asking for the public’s help. Someone may have seen or experienced something that didn’t seem important at the time but could be the piece of information that helps move this investigation forward. If you were on the Greenbelt, saw someone acting suspiciously, or experienced a violent encounter that was never reported, we want to hear from you. At the same time, we want those using the Greenbelt to take extra safety precautions and report anything that seems out of the ordinary.”

Request for information: Investigators are asking anyone who was on or near the Boise River Greenbelt between the evening of July 5, 2026, and the morning of July 6, 2026, to contact police if they witnessed anything unusual or suspicious. This includes anyone who:

• Saw a person involved in or appearing to have recently been involved in a violent encounter.
• Saw any person exhibiting suspicious behavior or involved in an activity that caused concern, even if it did not seem significant at the time.

Detectives are also asking anyone who may have experienced or witnessed a violent encounter on or near the Greenbelt within the past few years that was never reported to law enforcement to come forward. Investigators are reviewing any information that may help identify connections related to this case.

No piece of information is too small. Detectives will follow up on every credible lead.

Call Police: Anyone with information is asked to contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790. If you witness suspicious activity or believe a crime is occurring, call 911 immediately.

Safety Reminders: While investigators are working diligently on this investigation, the Boise Police Department is asking everyone using the Greenbelt to remain aware of their surroundings and to take common-sense safety precautions, including:

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk, run, or bike with others whenever possible.
• Avoid wearing headphones or anything that limits your ability to hear or observe your surroundings.
• If you see something suspicious, say something and report it to police.

As an added safety measure and as part of the investigation, Boise Police have increased patrols along the Greenbelt.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Previously released: July 6, 2026

On July 6, 2026, around 7:30 am Boise Police responded to a report of an unresponsive man on the Greenbelt on the north side of the Boise River near 11th Street. When officers arrived on scene, they located a deceased adult male victim. Officers quickly secured the scene, closing the Northside Greenbelt between Pioneer Pathway and 11th St. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene to begin a death investigation. Evidence indicates the incident occurred sometime between midnight and 7:30 am and his death is being investigated as a homicide. The investigation is ongoing and no suspect has been identified at this time.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790. Investigators are also looking for any available surveillance video along this section of the path and surrounding areas. The Ada County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin. The impacted section of the Greenbelt is expected to be closed for several more hours as investigators collect and process evidence. Detour signs have been posted for Greenbelt users.