A 25-year-old Boise man found unresponsive along the Boise River Greenbelt early Monday morning has been identified as a homicide victim, according to the Ada County Coroner’s Office and Boise Police Department. Jordan Harbst, of Boise, was discovered on the north side of the Greenbelt near 11th Street at approximately 7:30 a.m. on July 6 and was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:41 a.m.
What Investigators Know So Far
Both the coroner’s office and Boise Police confirmed the death is being treated as a homicide, though the specific cause of death has not been publicly released. Investigators believe Harbst died sometime between midnight and 7:30 a.m. on July 6, pointing to the overnight hours of July 5 into the early morning of July 6 as the critical window for the investigation.
Boise Police are working through surveillance footage from the Capitol Boulevard area westward to Americana Boulevard, covering a significant stretch of the popular urban pathway. Detectives have also been conducting interviews and reaching out to people who regularly use the Greenbelt in that area, hoping witnesses from that overnight period may have seen or heard something relevant.
“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.
The coroner’s announcement came Wednesday, followed by a separate statement from police Wednesday afternoon. While the cause of death remains pending and is not being publicly disclosed as part of the active investigation, the homicide classification signals investigators believe another person was responsible for Harbst’s death.
Safety Measures Increased Along the Greenbelt
In response to the incident, Boise Police have increased patrol presence along the Greenbelt as a precautionary measure for the thousands of residents, joggers, cyclists, and families who use the riverside path daily. The Greenbelt stretches for miles through the heart of Boise and into neighboring communities, making it one of the most heavily trafficked outdoor corridors in the Treasure Valley.
The homicide serves as a sobering reminder that even in well-traveled public spaces, personal safety warrants ongoing attention — particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when foot traffic is minimal and visibility is reduced. Ada County families and individuals who use the Greenbelt regularly are encouraged to remain alert and report anything suspicious to law enforcement promptly.
This investigation comes during an active summer period on the Greenbelt and Boise River corridor. Ada County has seen increased outdoor activity amid warm weather, and public safety agencies have been active across the region. Ada County emergency communication systems have also been in the spotlight recently following updates to the county’s public alert infrastructure.
How to Get Involved or Report Information
Boise Police are specifically seeking anyone who was in the Greenbelt area between Capitol Boulevard and Americana Boulevard during the overnight hours of July 5 into the early morning of July 6. Witnesses or individuals with information about what occurred are urged to come forward.
Anyone who observed suspicious activity, encountered Harbst, or has any information that could assist detectives is asked to contact Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790. Those who observe suspicious activity or an ongoing crime in progress should call 911 immediately.
Investigators are continuing to collect physical evidence, review surveillance footage, and conduct interviews. The case remains active, and detectives are asking the public — especially those who frequently spend time along that stretch of the Greenbelt — to reach out even if they are uncertain whether their information is relevant. Tips that may seem minor can often prove significant in homicide investigations.
No suspects have been publicly identified at this time. As the investigation develops, Boise Police are expected to release additional information. Ada County residents are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates and to cooperate fully with law enforcement if contacted as part of the ongoing canvass.