John Thompson
Northern News Services

Pangnirtung (July 11/05) - Few details have surfaced concerning a June 20 assault that has left residents of Panniqtuuq shocked.

Crystal Smith, 31, from New Waterford, NS., remains in an Ottawa hospital, where her condition has improved from critical to satisfactory since her arrival, said a hospital spokesperson.

Smith had moved to the Baffin Island community for the summer to work for Northern Properties.

Investigation completed

Three weeks have passed since the assault, but no arrests had yet been made as of July 7. The RCMP's major crimes and forensic units, as well as a police dog, have since pulled out of the community.

"The investigation is still ongoing," said Cpl. Anna Marie Mallard, the detachment commander.