Earlier this week, authorities revealed that the remains of a third individual, Lawrence Bertrim, were discovered on a rural property north of Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. Mayor Shawn Pankow expressed that while there is hope for missing individuals to return home alive, the discovery of remains offers a chance to provide dignity and closure. The property, located off Kelly Jordan Road in Montague, has become a site of somber findings. Robert Lambert’s remains were found two weeks prior, followed by the discovery of Robbie Thomson’s remains nine months earlier. Charges have been laid in Thomson’s case, but no arrests have been made in connection to Bertrim and Lambert. The police are offering a $50,000 reward for relevant information.
Although the remains of the three men were found at the same location, law enforcement has not explicitly linked their deaths. The public is urged to allow the authorities the necessary space and time to conduct thorough investigations for the families of Bertrim and Lambert. Sergeant Erin Cranton emphasized the importance of respecting the grieving families and the investigative process led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Smiths Falls, known for its economic ties to the Hershey’s chocolate factory and cannabis production, is unaccustomed to the recent unsettling developments at the property on Kelly Jordan Road. Mayor Pankow acknowledged the community’s unease, especially since Bertrim was last seen in the downtown area. Despite initial concerns following the disappearances of Bertrim and Thomson in 2023, the arrest of individuals in Thomson’s case alleviated fears within the community.
While progress has been made in Thomson’s case, Cranton highlighted the ongoing need to establish connections and determine the circumstances leading to the deaths of the three men. As investigations continue, the community awaits answers amidst the unfolding events. The timeline of events surrounding the disappearances and discoveries serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding these cases and the pursuit of justice.