Earlier this week, the police disclosed that the remains of Lawrence Bertrim, a third man, were discovered on a rural property north of the usually tranquil town of Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. Mayor Shawn Pankow expressed that the recent finding brought about mixed emotions. While there is always hope for the safe return of missing individuals like Bertrim, who disappeared almost four years ago, discovering a death provides the opportunity to offer dignity and some closure.
This discovery adds to the somber findings on a 16-hectare wooded property off Kelly Jordan Road in Montague, a township near Smiths Falls. Two weeks prior, the remains of Robert Lambert, missing for a longer period, were found. Additionally, the remains of Robbie Thomson, who vanished three years ago, were located nine months earlier. Charges have been laid in Thomson’s case against three individuals, with a fourth charged as an accessory to the crime.
Despite the proximity of the three men’s remains on the same property, the police have not explicitly connected their deaths. Investigations continue, and the public is urged to allow the authorities time and space to conduct a thorough examination to bring closure to the families of Bertrim and Lambert. Sgt. Erin Cranton of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) emphasized the significance of respecting the grieving families and allowing the police to carry out their duties effectively.
The town of Smiths Falls, with a population of around 9,000 residents, is more familiar with being in the news for economic fluctuations related to the Hershey’s chocolate factory and recent cannabis production activities. The recent incidents off Kelly Jordan Road have been described by locals as unexpected, with one individual characterizing the site as a significant site of burials.
Mayor Shawn Pankow acknowledged the unsettling nature of the events, particularly since Bertrim was last seen in the downtown area where the mayor’s office is situated. The community had experienced tension following the disappearances of Bertrim and Thomson in 2023, although reassurance came with the arrests related to Thomson’s case last year. Pankow expressed confidence that further charges in the other two cases were forthcoming, allaying fears of potential risks to residents.
Sgt. Cranton emphasized the ongoing efforts to establish connections and uncover the circumstances leading to the deaths of the three men. The investigations are complex, requiring thoroughness and patience to provide answers to the families and the community. Rewards of $50,000 are still offered for valuable information in the cases of Bertrim and Lambert.
As the community awaits resolution, a timeline of events leading to the discoveries illustrates the meticulous process of the investigations. Lambert’s purchase of the property in 2004, along with subsequent events involving the missing individuals, has unfolded gradually, leading to recent developments and discoveries on the property.
In 2025, arrests were made in Thomson’s case, providing some solace to the family but underscoring the importance of finding his remains. Subsequent discoveries of remains, including those of Lambert and Bertrim, have further intensified the investigations and the need for closure. The police continue to seek information and maintain a presence at the property, with ongoing efforts to unravel the complexities of the cases.