Third set of human remains found on Kelly Jordan Road property identified as missing Smiths Falls man Lawrence Bertrim

A third set of human remains discovered on a property northeast of Smiths Falls has been identified as Lawrence Bertrim, who disappeared nearly four years ago.

Ontario Provincial Police say Bertrim’s remains were found on a Kelly Jordan Road property on Aug. 6. A postmortem examination has since confirmed his identity.

Bertrim was 42 when he disappeared. He was last seen at about 11 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2022, in downtown Smiths Falls.

His cause of death has not been determined.

The discovery marks the third time since October 2025 that the remains of a person previously reported missing have been found on the same property.

The first set of remains was discovered on Oct. 30, 2025, as OPP officers executed a search warrant. They were later identified as Robbie Thomson, who had been reported missing in October 2023. Three people were arrested and charged with first degree murder in connection with Thomson’s death in October 2025. A fourth suspect was charged with accessory after the fact in April 2026.

A second set of remains was found on the property on July 20, 2026. A postmortem examination identified the deceased as Robert Lambert, 75, of Montague Township.

Lambert was reported missing to Lanark County OPP on Nov. 30, 2018, and had last been seen in early July of that year.

His cause of death has also not been determined, and police say no arrests have been made in connection with his death. That investigation remains ongoing.

“We understand there is concern from the public, as this is the third set of human remains located on the property on Kelly Jordan Road,” said OPP Sgt. Erin Cranton in a video statement. “We are committed to getting answers and continuing this investigation, and we’ll share more information as it is made available.”

The Government of Ontario continues to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Bertrim’s disappearance.

OPP Det. Insp. Jennifer Patton said the identification represents a significant development for Bertrim’s family and investigators, but stressed that the investigation continues.

“Locating Lawrence Bertrim is a significant development for his family, who have waited nearly four years for answers, and for the investigative team, who have worked relentlessly on this case. While this discovery marks important progress, the investigation is far from complete. We understand the public interest generated by the discovery of three missing persons on a single property, and we ask for patience as investigators continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads.”

The investigation is being conducted by Lanark County OPP and Smiths Falls Police Service under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Several specialized OPP units are also assisting.

Police say an increased police presence will remain on Kelly Jordan Road as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the dedicated OPP tipline at 1-844-677-9404. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.