Detectives in the New South Wales north-west have received fresh information surrounding a death of an Aboriginal teenager in the mid-1990s.
The body of 17-year-old Stephen Smith was found on railway tracks between Quirindi and Werris Creek in October 1995.
A coronial inquest found he died as a result of multiple injuries sustained when he was hit by a train.
Oxley Police detectives working under Strike Force Resolve said new information suggests Mr Smith may have been the victim of an unrelated incident hours before his body was found on the train tracks.
Detectives said they still believe there are members of the community with information.
Oxley Police District Superintendent Kylie Endemi said it was important anyone who may know more comes forward.
"We're unsure if that incident was intentional or accidental in nature, so that is why it is extremely important that anyone who has any information please come forward and assist our investigation."
Oxley Police District crime manager Detective Acting Inspector Matthew O'Hehir said detectives still believed there were members of the community with information relevant to this investigation.
"Stephen was last seen in Quirindi at some time after midnight, possibly hitchhiking towards Werris Creek," he said.
"The information did not make it clear that this incident was intentional or accidental … we appeal to anyone who has information relating to this to call Tamworth police."
Family remain hopeful
Mr Smith's older brother Jason Smith said he was hopeful some of the new information would lead to answers.
"There's plenty of unknown rumours. All we know is, as a family, is that Stephen went out that night and didn't make it home," he said.
"The new information that has come to hand recently is encouraging and we're hopeful it will allow police go through the due process and do what they need to do, and hopefully some of this new information they've received helps find them answers.
"My message to the community is if there is anyone out there in the community that might have some information, no matter how small they they might think it is, it could be the piece of information police are looking for to helps find us answers.
