Photo: (André Boisjoli/Radio-Canada)
OPP identify Lawrence Bertrim’s remains at a Smiths Falls property, where two other missing men were also found. No charges have been laid.
Remains Identified as Lawrence Bertrim
Nearly four years after Lawrence Bertrim disappeared, police say they have found his remains at a rural property near Smiths Falls, Ont.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) identified the remains on Tuesday. Bertrim, who was 42 when he vanished, was last seen in downtown Smiths Falls in September 2022.
His remains were discovered on Aug. 6 at a property on Kelly Jordan Road.
However, the cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Police say their investigation is still underway, and no charges have been laid in Bertrim’s death.
Third Set of Remains Found at the Property
The latest discovery is the third set of human remains found at the same property.
First, police found the remains of Robbie Thomson there in October 2025. Four people have since been charged in connection with his death. Three face first-degree murder charges.
Then, in July 2026, investigators found the remains of another missing man, Robert Lambert, at the property. Police said at the time that they suspected foul play. No charges have been laid in Lambert’s death.
Now, Bertrim has also been linked to the property.
The string of discoveries has raised fresh questions in Smiths Falls and the surrounding rural area.
Police Ask for Patience
OPP Det. Insp. Jennifer Patton called the discovery an important step for Bertrim’s family.
His loved ones had waited almost four years for answers. Meanwhile, investigators have continued to work on the case.
Police also acknowledged the strong public interest surrounding the discovery of three missing people at one property. Still, they urged the public to allow investigators time to follow the evidence.
Bertrim Had Links to Another Missing Man
Bertrim and Thomson knew each other, according to CBC reporting from 2023.
The two men were also believed to have known Steven Tate, 34. Tate’s body was found in a ditch along Highway 15 in November 2023.
The deaths and disappearances have had a deep impact on Smiths Falls. In addition, the discovery of the first two sets of remains shocked the small community and nearby rural areas.
$50,000 Reward Remains Available
Police say a $50,000 reward remains available for information that leads to a conviction in Bertrim’s case.
For now, investigators are still working to determine what happened to him. They have not announced any charges in connection with his death.
