Earlier this week, authorities revealed the discovery of a third man, Lawrence Bertrim, whose remains were found on a rural property north of the usually serene town of Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. Mayor Shawn Pankow expressed that the news of this finding likely evoked mixed emotions within the community. While there is always hope for the safe return of a missing person like Bertrim, who disappeared almost four years ago, the confirmation of his fate allows for the respect and closure he deserves.
This recent development marks the latest somber revelation in the ongoing investigation on a densely forested 16-hectare land situated off Kelly Jordan Road in Montague, a nearby township to Smiths Falls, located approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Ottawa. Just two weeks prior to this discovery, the remains of another missing individual, Robert Lambert, were also located on the same property. Additionally, the remains of Robbie Thomson, who went missing three years ago, were found nine months earlier. While three individuals have been charged in connection to Thomson’s death, another person is facing charges for being an accessory to the crime. However, no suspects have been charged yet in the cases of Bertrim and Lambert, with substantial rewards of $50,000 being offered for any valuable information.
Although the remains of the three men were discovered at the same site, law enforcement has not definitively linked their deaths. They are urging the public to allow them the necessary time and space to conduct a thorough investigation to provide closure to the families of Bertrim and Lambert. Sgt. Erin Cranton, a spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), emphasized the importance of respecting the grieving families and allowing the authorities to carry out their duties effectively.
The town of Smiths Falls, with its approximately 9,000 residents, is more accustomed to news related to its economic activities, such as the Hershey’s chocolate factory and recent developments in the cannabis industry. The unsettling events unfolding at the property off Kelly Jordan Road have left the community shaken. One resident described the site as “quite the graveyard,” reflecting the unprecedented nature of the situation.
Mayor Pankow acknowledged the impact of the disappearances of Bertrim and Thomson in 2023, which had caused anxiety and speculation in the town. However, with the arrest of the four suspects in Thomson’s case last year, that fear has somewhat diminished. The mayor expressed optimism that charges in the remaining cases would follow, allaying concerns about any potential threats to the community.
Despite the progress made in the investigation, Sgt. Cranton emphasized the need for further inquiries to establish the connections and circumstances surrounding the deaths. The authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to provide answers to the families and the community.
As the community awaits closure, a timeline of the unfolding events is provided to shed light on the sequence of occurrences leading to the recent discoveries. The families of the victims continue to seek closure and justice, hoping for a resolution to the tragic events that have transpired in their town.