Investigators searching for a wanted murder suspect from Kirksville have located a rifle they believe the fugitive stole during a recent burglary.

On Wednesday, Cpl. Justin Dunn with the Missouri State Highway Patrol told KTVO that law enforcement received a tip Tuesday from an acquaintance of Jesse Rongey about where they might find a .270 rifle stolen recently from a cabin west of Kirksville.

A team of officers was then sent out to look for the firearm. Dunn said they found it in a wooded area west of Youngstown Trail. The weapon was covered up with leaves, sticks and debris.

The 38-year-old Rongey, from Kirksville, is wanted for the July 5, 2022, murder of Stephen Munn, 54, also of Kirksville.

Dunn said the recovered rifle and a handgun were taken from the cabin. The stolen handgun has not been located.

He said investigators believe Rongey is still in the heavily wooded area around where the murder happened.

Thursday evening will be the two-week mark since the intense manhunt for the fugitive started.

A U.S. Marshal told KTVO Tuesday that officers won't call off the search for Rongey until he is captured.

Anyone with any tips that might help with the investigation is asked to call the Adair County Sheriff's Office via Adair County Central Dispatch at 660-665-5621.