Boise police arrested a man Thursday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 25-year-old who was found dead along a popular stretch of the Boise River Greenbelt earlier this week.
Arrest, charges and location
Authorities took 41-year-old Ross Wardlaw of Boise into custody on July 9 and booked him into the Ada County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. The victim was identified as 25-year-old Jordan Harbst.
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Fatal attack along Greenbelt near 11th Street | Shortly after midnight, Monday |
| Arrest of suspect | Thursday, around 3:30 p.m. |
| Booking | Same day at Ada County Jail |
What investigators say
According to Boise police, investigators believe Harbst was stabbed multiple times while walking along the Greenbelt near 11th Street just after midnight on Monday. Detectives said the two were not known to each other and that there was no reported altercation before the attack.
“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,” Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison said.
Dennison also acknowledged how unsettling a violent act like this is for Boise, where such crimes are uncommon, and said the department is focused on both community safety and public reassurance as the investigation continues.
How the public can help
Detectives working the case are asking anyone who may have had contact with Wardlaw in the days before or after the killing to come forward. Tips can be directed to Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.
- If you were on the Greenbelt near 11th Street around midnight Monday, police want to hear from you.
- If you saw Wardlaw or Harbst in the days leading up to the attack, contact investigators.
- Any surveillance or doorbell footage from the area that night could help the inquiry.
This killing occurred in a well-traveled public green space that draws runners, cyclists and families. While the arrest marks a major development, detectives described the investigation as ongoing and investigators continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses. For residents who use the Greenbelt, police urge vigilance and to report anything unusual directly to the dispatch number above.
As the case moves through the criminal-justice system, charges and booking details are public records at the Ada County Jail and the Ada County Prosecutor’s office will handle charging decisions and any subsequent legal filings.
