HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Investigators have identified a specific new person of interest after two credible tips brought fresh information to a 17-year-old missing-persons case tied to an unspecified rural Reno County road outside Hutchinson.

Lead investigator Yolanda Novak is following up on information from both tips as part of the renewed investigation. The person of interest has not been publicly identified, and investigators have not announced any charges or conclusions about that person’s involvement.

Sheriff’s department spokesperson Miriam Okonjo said five pieces of evidence from the case have been sent for testing. Investigators are treating the newly identified person as a focused lead while they await the testing process and continue to assess the information provided.