Provincial authorities have uncovered a third set of human remains at a property near Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. The latest 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 cause of his death, with no charges filed as of yet. A $50,000 reward is being offered for any information that could lead to a conviction in his case.
At the time of his disappearance, Bertrim was 42 years old. In a news release, OPP Detective Inspector Jennifer Patton stated that finding Lawrence Bertrim is a significant development for his family, who have been seeking answers for nearly four years, as well as for the investigative team that has been tirelessly working on the case.
Bertrim’s remains were discovered on the Kelly Jordan Road property on August 6, following the previous discovery of another missing man, Robert Lambert, on the same property in July. Although no charges have been laid in Lambert’s case, authorities have expressed suspicions of foul play.
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 suspects facing first-degree murder charges.
According to CBC News reporting from 2023, Bertrim and Thomson were acquainted with each other, and were also believed to have known 34-year-old Steven Tate, whose body was found in a ditch along Highway 15 in November 2023. The deaths of Tate, Bertrim, and Thomson had a significant impact on the Smiths Falls community and surrounding rural areas. Residents have been deeply affected by the discoveries of the human remains, according to the local reeve.
