The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is offering a $50,000 reward for information about a human skull that was found near St. John's in 2001 and that they believe is from a homicide victim.

Police released more information about the skull Thursday at a news briefing in St. John's.

Police in St. John's released this reconstruction of a man they believed died in Newfoundland and Labrador in the late 1990s. (Royal Newfoundland Constabulary)

The grisly discovery was made by some hikers on Minerals Road, in Conception Bay South, and had already been confirmed a man's skull.

Police said Thursday that stable isotope analysis, and carbon dating, has helped them learn more about his identity.

He probably lived in Quebec or Ontario or possibly the northeastern United States, and he was probably born in the late 1950s or early 1960s, officers said.

Police say isotopes found in his teeth suggest he lived in the southeastern U.S. between the ages of 9 and 14.

Police believe he was a victim of homicide and that he died sometime between 1994 and 1997.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was able to do this facial re-creation after extensive analysis on a skull found near St. John's in 2001. (Mark Quinn/ CBC)

Based on the type of isotopes found in his hair, they also believe he was in Newfoundland and Labrador about 13 months before he was killed but that he probably died in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A researcher who spoke at Thursday's news conference said specific isotopes are found in specific parts of the continent. Memorial University of Newfoundland archeologist Vaughan Grimes said the isotopes that investigators found in the teeth and hair provided a good idea of where the man was at specific times in his life.

"In the last 17 months of life, we have evidence of multiple residence occurring for this individual... Atlantic Canada, southern Ontario and northeastern United States," he said.

Police said extensive analysis of the skull has helped them create a picture of what the man looked like.

The RNC released a poster that outlines detailed information of what they've been able to determine about the man.

Police said except for the skull, they have never found any other remains of the man. They wouldn't comment on what they know about the cause of death, saying it might compromise their investigation.

They say they're speaking publicly about the case now because they hope it will encourage someone with information to come forward.

"Right now, this is a cold case and it has been for some time and we are attempting to regenerate it," said RNC Const. Sharon Warren.