Earlier this week, authorities revealed that the remains of a third individual, Lawrence Bertrim, were discovered on a rural property located north of the typically serene eastern Ontario town of Smiths Falls. Mayor Shawn Pankow expressed that the recent finding may evoke a mix of emotions, as it offers hope for the return of missing individuals like Bertrim, who vanished almost four years ago, while also bringing closure and dignity through the discovery of his remains.
This somber discovery is the most recent development on a densely forested, 16-hectare parcel of land situated off Kelly Jordan Road in Montague, a township adjacent to Smiths Falls, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Ottawa. Just a fortnight prior, the remains of Robert Lambert, who had been missing for an extended period, were also located. Preceding this, the remains of Robbie Thomson, last seen three years ago, were found. While three individuals have been charged in connection with Thomson’s demise, a fourth person faces charges related to aiding the crime.
Notably, no charges have been filed in the suspicious deaths of Bertrim and Lambert, with substantial rewards of $50,000 being offered for valuable information. Although the remains of all three men were found at the same site, law enforcement has not explicitly linked their deaths. Authorities are urging the public to allow them the necessary time and space to conduct thorough investigations to provide closure to the families of Bertrim and Lambert.
Sergeant Erin Cranton, a spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), emphasized the importance of respecting the grieving families impacted by these tragedies and urged the public to allow law enforcement to fulfill their investigative duties. Cranton emphasized the commitment of the OPP to uncover the truth and provide answers in these cases.
The town of Smiths Falls, home to approximately 9,000 residents, is typically in the news for its economic activities related to the Hershey’s chocolate factory and, more recently, a cannabis producer. The community is unaccustomed to the unsettling events unfolding off Kelly Jordan Road, with residents expressing unease at the grim discoveries in the area.
Mayor Pankow reflected on the unprecedented nature of these events, highlighting that the disappearances of Bertrim and Thomson in 2023 initially instilled fear and uncertainty in the community. However, with progress in the investigations and charges laid in Thomson’s case, the Mayor noted a sense of reassurance among residents, anticipating further developments in the other cases.
Law enforcement continues to emphasize the ongoing investigations and the critical need for information to establish connections and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths. As the families and the community await closure, authorities have provided a timeline of events leading to the current situation, underscoring the importance of cooperation and support in resolving these tragic incidents.
