Garda∅ investigating the abduction and death of German journalist Bettina Poeschel are hopeful that forensic evidence will lead them to a suspect.
Confirmation that a badly decomposed body concealed by dense undergrowth in Donore, Co Meath, last Wednesday was that of Ms Poeschel was only made yesterday afternoon.
The cause of death is still not clear; it is suspected she was sexually assaulted before being strangled or suffocated, but a definitive finding from the State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, may not be forthcoming until next week.
A garda spokesman confirmed that a number of men from Louth, Meath and a much wider geographical area have been asked for blood samples, as it is hoped that DNA and forensic evidence will lead to a prime suspect for her death.
A source close to the investigation confirmed that up to 40 men have been asked for blood samples. They include a number of known sexual offenders or suspects for such offences.
"Anybody with a previous (conviction) including indecent exposure is being looked at, we are throwing the net wide on this one," said a source.
He confirmed that a handbag, which may have belonged to Ms Poeschel, was recovered along the same stretch of road where her body was found.
It is also hoped that tissue samples taken from her remains may include evidence left by her attacker.
The search for Ms Poeschel began in the early hours of September 26th, when she failed to return from a day-trip to Newgrange.
Her route took to her Drogheda and onto Donore, the village closest to the Newgrange visitors' centre.
On Wednesday afternoon of last week, garda∅ involved in the search discovered her body concealed under hedges, nearly 40 feet from the Drogheda-Donore road.
It was very badly decomposed and had been attacked by wildlife.
The Poeschel family will travel from Munich to claim the body once Dr Harbison has released it.