An autopsy report has revealed the Czech tourist found dead in the Waimate woods was sexually assaulted before being killed.
Dagmar Pytlickova, known as Dasha, was found last Sunday alongside the body of convicted sex offender Jason Frandi.
Police say there were signs of an assault.
"Post-mortem examination results show that Dasha had significant injuries to her neck area,” says Detective Inspector Greg Williams.
He says Mr Frandi was found with “self-inflicted” wounds to his left wrist.
Police believe Ms Pytlickova left Cromwell on Saturday around 3:00pm with the intention of hitch-hiking to Timaru.
"Sometime after that we believe she was picked up by Jason Frandi. We also think she may have had a meal in the Kurow or Omarama area at around this time. The information we have indicates that Dasha died on the Saturday evening after being taken up to the forest area near Waimate by Jason Frandi.
A forensic examination of Frandi's BMW continued today.
3 News/RadioLive