Prosecutors say an informant has emerged as a down-to-the-wire witness against the suspect in the missing-child case of Etan Patz.

A New York prosecutor disclosed Monday that an informant will testify at Pedro Hernandez’ murder trial. Jury selection is underway.

For now, the person’s identity is shielded by court order. Prosecutors and defense lawyers wouldn’t discuss what information the person has or how he or she knows Hernandez.

The Maple Shade, New Jersey, man has been jailed since his May 2012 arrest.

The disclosure adds a new element to the evidence against Hernandez, which so far has appeared to rest on his confessions to authorities and statements allegedly made to friends and relatives decades ago.

His defense says his confessions were false.

(AP)