Provincial authorities have confirmed the discovery of a third set of human remains at a property close to Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. The most recent remains have been identified as those of Lawrence Bertrim, who was last seen in downtown Smiths Falls in September 2022. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, with no charges filed as of now. A $50,000 reward remains available for any information that could lead to a conviction in this case.
At the time of his disappearance, Lawrence Bertrim was 42 years old. Detective Inspector Jennifer Patton of the OPP expressed that finding Bertrim’s remains is a significant development for his family, who have been seeking answers for nearly four years. She acknowledged the public interest sparked by the discovery of three missing persons on the same property and urged patience as investigators pursue all leads.
Bertrim’s remains were located on the Kelly Jordan Road property on August 6, a day after the police announced the discovery of another missing man, Robert Lambert, on the same premises in July. While no charges have been laid in Lambert’s case, authorities indicated suspicion of foul play at that time.
Additionally, the remains of Robbie Thomson were found on the same property in October 2025. Four individuals have been charged in connection with Thomson’s death, including three suspects facing first-degree murder charges. Bertrim and Thomson were known to each other, as reported by CBC News in 2023, and were believed to have also been acquainted with Steven Tate, whose body was found in a ditch along Highway 15 in November 2023.
The deaths of Tate, Bertrim, and Thomson captivated the Smiths Falls community, and the discoveries of the human remains deeply impacted both the small town and the surrounding rural area, as noted by the local reeve.