Uncover Wess Roley’s background from his Idaho ambush to social media footprint, measurements, net worth, and why he’s dominating headlines.
Who is Wess Roley?
Wess Val Rowley (often misreported as “Wess Rowley”) was a 20‑year‑old transient living out of his pickup truck near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
On June 29, 2025, he allegedly set a wildfire on Canfield Mountain to lure firefighters and then ambushed them, killing two and critically injuring a third.
His body was later found near his shotgun; he appears to have died by suicide at the scene
Why is Wess Rowley Trending?
- Deadly Ambush: Authorities confirmed he deliberately ignited the Nettleton Gulch fire and lay in wait with a high‑powered hunting rifle, calling it “a total ambush.”
- Shocking Social Media Post: Hours before the attack, Roley’s now‑deleted Instagram Story showed him camouflaged, belt of shells visible, captioned “I’m going hunting”
- Intense Manhunt & Investigation: Over 300 officers, including FBI and ATF agents, were deployed; residents sheltered in place as helicopters and snipers combed the mountain.
- Community Impact: Vigils, flag‑lowering orders by Governor Brad Little, and frontline firefighter memorials have been widely covered, fueling national outrage and grief.
Wess Roley Wikipedia | Wess Rowley Biography
Born 2005/2006 in California, Wess Val Rowley drifted around the West before settling in rural Idaho.
| Category | Brief Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | June 29, 2025 |
| Location | Coeur d’Alene, Idaho |
| Suspect | Wess Roley, 20 years old |
| Allegation | Set a fire to ambush firefighters; 2 killed, 1 injured |
| Parents | Jason Roley (father), Heather Cuchiara (mother) |
| Parental Status | Divorced in 2015 |
| Custody | Mother had primary custody |
| Father’s Background | Alleged ex-Army scout, lives in Idaho, estranged from Wess |
| Mother’s Background | Pet groomer, close to Wess, remarried to Tony |
| Grandfather | Dale Roley; said Wess wanted to be a firefighter |
| Living History | Moved between CA, AZ, OK, ID; briefly lived with grandfather |
| Aspirations | Wanted to join wildland firefighting |
| Speculations | Unconfirmed political and firearm exposure rumors |
He dropped out of high school in his sophomore year and had five minor law‑enforcement contacts (trespassing, welfare checks) but no serious criminal record.
His grandfather, Dale Roley, said Wess “wanted to be a fireman”, even contacting local departments, yet never formally joined.
Described as a “high‑strung loner” with an obsession for firearms and extremist symbols, Roley’s background offered chilling foreshadowing of the tragedy to come.
Wess Rowley’s Social Media
Despite a generally low public profile, investigators recovered:
- Instagram: A now‑deleted Story showing him in camouflage and mask, posted with Björk’s “Hunter” playing. Screenshots circulated widely after authorities released them.
- TikTok: User‑generated #WessRowley clips compiling press‑conference highlights and news snippets surpassed 5 million views within 24 hours.
- X (Twitter): Threads dissecting his minor arrests, timeline of the fire, and community reactions have attracted tens of thousands of comments and shares.
These posts fueled national debates on wildfire safety, gun access, and mental health resources for rural youth.
Wess Rowley’s Net Worth
| Asset Class | Estimate |
| Personal Savings | <$500 USD |
| Vehicle & Gear | Pickup truck, hunting rifles |
| Employment Income | None recorded beyond odd jobs |
| Total Net Worth | N/A |
Roley lived largely off‑grid, with no steady job or bank accounts. His only documented income was sporadic tree‑service work, and he appeared to hold no significant assets beyond his vehicle and firearms.
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Wess Roley Measurement
| Attribute | Detail |
| Height | ~ 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | ~ 75 kg (165 lb) |
| Build | Slim, wiry, suited for stealth |
His grandfather estimated his height at 5 ft 8 inches, which reportedly fell below many wildland‑firefighting height requirements, possibly contributing to his frustration.
Wess Roley’s Career
Strictly speaking, Roley had no formal career:
- Wildland Fire Aspiration: He expressed interest in forestry and firefighting, even applying informally to departments, but was never hired.
- Tree‑Service Work: Lived with a roommate in Sandpoint, Idaho, and worked briefly for a local tree‑service company. Neighbors reported odd behavior, shaving his head, throwing gang signs, prompting police welfare checks.
- Minor Infractions: Over the past three years, he faced misdemeanor trespassing and traffic‑related calls, none leading to jail time.
His self‑described “career” was an unsettling blend of unfulfilled firefighter dreams and obsession with firearms.
Wess Roley’s Personal Life
- Family: Son of Heather Cuchiara (mother) and Jason Roley (father), who divorced amid domestic‑violence filings in 2015. He spent time living with his grandfather in Oklahoma and later alone in Idaho.
- Mental Health: Friends recall mood swings and “decline” before the attack; one roommate even called police when Roley began “acting weird” and neglecting responsibilities.
- Residence: No fixed home, his heavily‑packed pickup, found abandoned near the fire line, served as his base.
- Interests: Hunting, tactical gear, extremist iconography, and images of swastikas and guns were found in notebooks from school days.
This unstable backdrop of family turmoil, isolation, and thwarted ambitions painted a tragic portrait.
FAQs
Who was Wess Roley?
A 20‑year‑old transient in Idaho, suspected in the June 29 wildfire ambush that killed two firefighters.
Why did he target firefighters?
Investigators believe he deliberately set the fire to lure responders into a kill zone, though his exact motive remains unclear.
What was his background?
He dropped out of high school, worked odd tree‑service jobs, and aspired yet failed to become a wildland firefighter.
What did his last social media post show?
An Instagram Story of Roley in camouflage, ammunition belts visible, with Björk’s “Hunter” playing in the background.
What’s his net worth?
Estimated below $5,000, reflecting no stable income or assets beyond his vehicle and firearms.
Conclusion
Wess Roley’s brief, tragic notoriety underscores the complex intersection of mental health, gun accessibility, and the unique vulnerabilities of those living on society’s fringes.
As the community mourns its fallen firefighters, this event sparks urgent conversations on how to prevent such ambush‑style attacks in the future.