Suspect Arrested in Boise Greenbelt Homicide Investigation

The Treasure Valley is most often touted as one of the safest places to live in America--and folks that live here, know and feel that. It's what makes the area so special.

News that broke Monday following the Fourth of July weekend shocked the community. A homicide took place, on Boise's beloved Greenbelt.

Following reports of the body being found on Monday morning, authorities quickly  got to work. Now, three days later, and arrest has already been made.

41-year-old Ross Wardlaw has been taken into custody and booked on one Felony charge of First Degree Murder.

Credit: Ada County Sheriff's Office

The entire incident seems random and unlike anything we're used to hearing about in Boise. Police summarized what they know, and can publicly share, in a statement following the arrest:

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.

Boise Police went on to call crimes of this nature 'rare' in the City of Boise and have outlined safety tips, such as being alert and traveling with others whenever possible. We can't take our safety for granted.

A vigil for the victim, 25-year-old Jordan Harbst, will be held on Friday night at 11:59 between 11th Street and Pioneer on the Boise Greenbelt.