Provincial authorities have uncovered a third set of human remains at a site near Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. The most recent remains have been confirmed to belong 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 Bertrim’s death, and as of now, no charges have been filed. A reward of $50,000 for information leading to a conviction in his case remains available, according to police officials.
Bertrim was 42 years old when he went missing. Detective Inspector Jennifer Patton of the OPP described the discovery of Bertrim as a significant milestone for his family, who have been seeking answers for nearly four years, and for the investigative team who have been diligently working on the case. The police are urging the public to be patient as they continue to follow the evidence in their investigation.
Bertrim’s remains were found on the Kelly Jordan Road property on August 6, a day after the discovery of another missing man, Robert Lambert, on the same property in July. Although no charges have been laid in Lambert’s case, authorities had earlier indicated suspicion of foul play.
Furthermore, the remains of Robbie Thomson were also found on the same residential property in October 2025. Four individuals have been charged in connection with Thomson’s death, including three facing first-degree murder charges.
It was reported by CBC News in 2023 that Bertrim and Thomson were acquainted with each other. The duo was believed to have known Steven Tate, whose body was found in a ditch along Highway 15 in November 2023.
The incidents involving Tate’s death and the disappearances of Bertrim and Thomson had a profound impact on the Smiths Falls community. The discoveries of the initial two sets of remains deeply affected the small town and the surrounding rural area, as stated by the local reeve.