Earlier in the current week, local authorities disclosed the recovery of the remains of a third individual, Lawrence Bertrim, on a rural property situated north of the typically serene town of Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. Mayor Shawn Pankow mentioned that the recent revelation likely triggered a mix of emotions. While there is always hope for the safe return of a missing person like Bertrim, who vanished nearly four years ago, the confirmation of a death allows for providing the deserved dignity and some level of closure.
This discovery marks the most recent somber revelation on a densely wooded 16-hectare parcel off Kelly Jordan Road in Montague, a township adjacent to Smiths Falls, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Ottawa. Just a fortnight earlier, the remains of Robert Lambert, who had been missing for an extended period, were also found. Preceding that, the remains of Robbie Thomson, last seen three years ago, were discovered. Notably, charges have been laid in connection to Thomson’s demise, with a fourth individual facing charges as an accessory to the crime. However, no suspects have been apprehended in relation to the deaths of Bertrim and Lambert, with rewards of $50,000 being offered for any valuable information.
Despite the fact that the remains of the three men were located at the same location, law enforcement has refrained from explicitly connecting their deaths. They have urged the public to allow them the necessary space and time to conduct a thorough investigation and bring 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 and letting the authorities carry out their duties effectively.
Smiths Falls, a community with around 9,000 residents, is typically known for its economic fluctuations linked to the Hershey’s chocolate factory and more recently, a cannabis producer. The recent developments unfolding at the property off Kelly Jordan Road have caused a stir in the otherwise tranquil town. Residents have expressed their concerns, with one individual describing the site as “quite the graveyard.”
Reflecting on the past, Mayor Pankow highlighted the anxiety that gripped the town following the disappearances of Bertrim and Thomson in 2023, which subsequently eased after the arrests made in Thomson’s case last year. The mayor expressed optimism about potential charges in the remaining two cases, reassuring the community about ongoing efforts to address any looming threats.
As the families and community members await answers, a detailed timeline of events leading to the current situation has been provided. Lambert’s purchase of the property in 2004, his subsequent disappearance in 2018, and the sequence of events involving Bertrim, Thomson, and Tate have all contributed to the unfolding investigation. The authorities are determined to uncover the truth behind these tragic incidents and provide closure to the affected families and community members.