Provincial authorities have confirmed the discovery of a third set of human remains at a location near Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. The latest remains have been identified as belonging to Lawrence Bertrim, who was last seen in downtown Smiths Falls in September 2022. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are still investigating the cause of his death, and as of now, no charges have been filed. A $50,000 reward is being offered for any information that could lead to a conviction in connection to his case.
Lawrence Bertrim was 42 years old at the time he went missing. Detective Inspector Jennifer Patton of the OPP expressed that finding Lawrence Bertrim is a crucial development for his family, who have been seeking answers for nearly four years, as well as for the investigative team dedicated to this case. The public’s interest has been piqued by the discovery of three missing individuals on the same property, and law enforcement officials are urging patience as they follow the evidence to its conclusion.
Law enforcement officers found Bertrim’s remains on the Kelly Jordan Road property on August 6, a day after they confirmed the discovery of another missing man, Robert Lambert, on the same site in July. No charges have been brought forth in Lambert’s case, although authorities have indicated suspicions of foul play. Additionally, the remains of Robbie Thomson were unearthed on the same residential property in October 2025. Four individuals have been charged in connection with Thomson’s death, with three suspects facing first-degree murder charges.
It has been reported by CBC News that Lawrence Bertrim and Robbie Thomson were acquainted. Both were believed to have known Steven Tate, 34, whose body was found in a ditch along Highway 15 in November 2023. Tate’s death, along with the disappearances of Bertrim and Thomson, captivated the Smiths Falls area. The discoveries of the initial two sets of remains deeply impacted the small town and surrounding rural region, as stated by the local reeve.
