Police have gained further information about the movements of Dagmar (Dasha) Pytlickova on the afternoon she encountered Jason Frandi.
"We now know Dasha left Cromwell on Saturday around 3.00pm with the intention of hitch-hiking to Timaru." says Detective Inspector Greg Williams.
"A driver spoke to her just north of the Deadmans Point Bridge at that time where she told him she wanted to get to Fairlie. This driver was unable to help as he was heading elsewhere. We believe she got a lift shortly afterwards but she may have been waiting in the bridge area from around 2.00pm."
Depending on when she was picked up she would have been in the Omarama area sometime between 3.30pm - 4.00pm.
"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.
"We are still very interested to hear from anyone saw Dasha between Cromwell, Omarama, Kurow and Waimate on Saturday afternoon. She might have been by the road trying to hitch a lift or getting food somewhere along the way.
"We also need more sightings of Frandi's silver BMW reg ATT530 in the same areas on Saturday afternoon.
"The last known sighting of Frandi was at a shop in Waimate at 12.17pm on Saturday.
"Post-mortem examination results show that Dasha had significant injuries to her neck area. We can't rule out that she was subjected to a sexual assault.
"There were significant injuries to Frandi's left wrist which are consistent with being self-inflicted."
A forensic examination of Frandi's BMW has continued in Waimate today.
"I can confirm that we have found Dasha's distinctive backpack in the BMW, a shoulder bag and other items (pictures available). There is nothing in the car to suggest that anyone else was involved.
"I am also aware of speculation around a recent complaint against Mr Frandi. His background obviously forms part of our inquiry but I would like to make it clear I have seen nothing to suggest this matter wasn't dealt with in a timely and appropriate way by Waimate Police.
"The inquiry team will continue with the investigation for several days and a file will be prepared for the Coroner. It will be for the Coroner to make the final determination about the cause of death for both Dasha Pytlickova and Jason Frandi.
Anyone with information is asked to call Waimate Police on 03 689 7272.
END
Editors note:
Pictures of the backpack, shoulder bag and a Mammut jacket belonging to Dasha are on the Police website www.police.govt.nz - email me at grant.ogilvie@police.govt.nz for electronic copies.
Media contact in Waimate until Wednesday night: Grant Ogilvie 027 236 9974
Media please note Canterbury district Communications Manager Stephen Hill will take over media liaison for this investigation from Thursday.
