A quiet rural town in NSW has been drawn into a homicide investigation after CCTV footage was released, as detectives work to piece together the final hours of an 18-year-old man found dead on a roadway late last year.

Temora, a small community in the northeast of the Riverina region of NSW about 420km southwest of Sydney, has a population of just over 4000 people.

Emergency services were first called to Ashelford St about 5.50am on Sunday, December 7 last year following a report of a “concern for welfare”.

A stretch of quiet Temora roadway has become the centre of a homicide investigation after the death of a teenager late last year. Image: 7News
When officers arrived, they found the body of Rhyce Smith, 18, on the roadway near the intersection of Golf Club Rd, about 200m west of a drainpipe.

The teenager was found with a gunshot wound to the head.

Police initially cordoned off the area as investigations got underway, while forensic teams examined the scene.

Witnesses at the time described a heavy police presence as inquiries intensified.

The man’s body was located on the roadway near the intersection of Golf Club Road, about 200m west of a drainpipe. Image: 7News
Detectives from the Riverina Police District established Strike Force Gracemont, with assistance from the State Crime Command Homicide Squad, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV footage showing Mr Smith at a property on Vesper St, Temora, at about 12.30am on the morning of Sunday, December 7.

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The 18-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Image: 7News
In the grainy footage, the man is seen wearing black pants and a black hooded jumper.

One local resident told 7News the community “just want to know what really happened”.

Police Detective Inspector Brent Falkiner said from the evidence they had seen and the circumstances of how Mr Smith was located made his death suspicious.

He said they had investigated all lines of inquiry and ruled out any self-harm aspect.

“The family of Mr Smith are understandably devastated and seeking some answers and some clarity, as we are,” he said.

“Such a young life lost in devastating circumstances.”

Family friend Amanda Urbaniak started a GoFundMe for Mr Smith’s family who faced their worst nightmare.

Police are urging anyone who saw Rhyce Smith, 18, or has information about his movements in the lead-up to his death to contact Crime Stoppers. Picture: Supplied
She said the family tragically lost their precious son and brother, shattering their world in an instant.

“Words cannot describe the pain this family is going through right now,” she said.

“During a time like this, no words can ease their pain, but we as a community can surround them with love, strength, and practical support as they navigate the unimaginable.”

Mr Urbaniak raised more than $26,000 for the family to help them through the difficult and heartbreaking time.

“We cannot take away there unimaginable pain, but we can lesson the burden of everything else at this horrendous time for them,” she said.

“In moments like this, being able to focus on grieving — without the added burden of financial pressure — can make a world of difference.”

Police are now urging anyone who saw the teenager or has information about his movements in the lead-up to his death to contact Temora Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.