Full Breakdown
Boise Man Charged with First-Degree Murder After Greenbelt Killing
7/10/2026, 11:02:33 PM
Homicide on the Boise River Greenbelt
On the night of July 5-6, 2026, 25-year-old Jordan Harbst was found dead on the Boise River Greenbelt near 11th Street. Police determined he had been stabbed multiple times, and the death was classified as a homicide. The Ada County Coroner’s Office identified the victim on July 6, 2026, after notifying next of kin. The incident occurred sometime between midnight and 7:30 a.m., prompting the closure of the north-side Greenbelt segment between Pioneer Pathway and 11th Street while detectives collected evidence.
Investigation and Arrest
Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit canvassed the area, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed individuals who frequent the Greenbelt. Their efforts led to the identification of Ross Wardlaw, 41, a Boise resident who had previously spoken to local media about volunteering at the nearby Corpus Commons resource center. Wardlaw was taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and booked into the Ada County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. He is scheduled for an arraignment in Ada County Court on Friday.
Official Police Statements
Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison expressed sympathy for Harbst’s family and emphasized the rarity of such violent crime in the city, noting the department’s commitment to public safety and community reassurance. Sgt. Justin Kendall highlighted the ongoing investigative work, urging anyone who observed suspicious activity on the Greenbelt between July 5 and July 6 to contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790. Police have also increased patrols along the trail and issued safety reminders for users.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our hearts are with the family and friends of Jordan Harbst.” — Chris Dennison, Boise Police Chief
- “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.” — Chris Dennison, Boise Police Chief
- “Our detectives have been working tirelessly since this investigation began, following every lead and speaking with members of our community,” — Justin Kendall, Boise Police Sgt.
- “Everybody kind of like takes care of each other and stuff like that,” — Ross Wardlaw, Boise resident (in interview about Corpus Commons)
