Police locate 3rd set of human remains on Smiths Falls, Ont. area property

Police have located the body of an eastern Ontario man who went missing nearly four years ago, the third set of human remains found on the same property near Smiths Falls, Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police say they located the body on a property on Kelly Jordan Road on Aug. 6. The body was identified as Lawrence Bertrim, 44, who was last seen on Sept. 30, 2022, in downtown Smiths Falls.

“The cause of death has not been determined, and no charges have been laid at this time,” OPP said Tuesday.

“We understand there is public interest in this case, as this is the third set of human remains located on the property on Kelly Jordan Road.”

Police had renewed calls for information in Bertrim’s death in May 2025, offering $50,000 for tips that may lead to an arrest.

“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,” OPP Det. Insp. Jennifer Patton said in a news release.

“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.”

Police say they found the remains of Robert Lambert, 75, of Montague Township on July 20 at the same property. Last October, police found the remains of Robbie Thompson, 34, of Smiths Falls, who disappeared in 2023.

The cause of Robert’s death has not yet been determined, and no arrests have been made in connection to his death.

Four people are facing charges in connection with Thomson’s death, including three accused of first-degree murder.

Property records show Lambert purchased the residence in 2004. Christopher Fenton, charged in Thomson’s death, became co-owner of the property with Lambert in April 2018, three months before Lambert was last seen.

A fourth missing man, Steven Tate, was found dead on the side of Highway 15 near the property in November 2023. Police believe he was the victim of a hit and run.

Police say a large presence of officers will remain on Kelly Jordan Road. The property is located about 80 kilometres southwest of Ottawa.

“We are committed to finding answers and continuing this investigation, and we will share more information as it becomes available. This remains an active investigation,” OPP say.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond