Polish national Daria Pionko, 21, was found seriously injured in Springwell Road, Holbeck, on 23 December and died later in hospital.
Det Supt Simon Atkinson said Miss Pionko had been the victim of a "sustained and vicious attack".
A 38-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident was released without charge.
A post mortem examination found Miss Pionko died as a result of head and facial injuries.
She was