Q&A: OPP address key questions after third set of remains found on property outside Smiths Falls

The discovery of three sets of human remains on the same rural property northeast of Smiths Falls has raised questions about the land itself, whether the deaths could be connected and what investigators are still looking for.

The latest discovery came on Aug. 6, when Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) found remains on a Kelly Jordan Road property that were later identified as Lawrence Bertrim, who had been missing for nearly four years. Bertrim was 42 when he disappeared from downtown Smiths Falls on Sept. 30, 2022. His cause of death has not been determined.

His remains are the third to be discovered on the property since October 2025.

The first were identified as Robbie Thomson, who was reported missing in October 2023. Three people were charged with first-degree murder in connection with Thomson’s death, while a fourth person was later charged with accessory after the fact.

A second set of remains, discovered July 20, was later identified as Robert Lambert, 75, of Montague Township, who had been missing since 2018. His cause of death has not been determined and no arrests have been made in connection with his death.

With the investigation continuing and police remaining at the scene, Lanarkist asked the OPP’s Sgt. Erin Cranton for more information related to common questions that have been buzzing around the community lately, including information about the property, possible connections between the cases and whether investigators believe additional remains could be found.

Below is a Q&A with Sgt. Cranton. As it’s an ongoing investigation, some questions are unable to be answered at this time, but Lanarkist will continue to follow this story as it develops.

Q: Can you describe the Kelly Jordan Road property? Is it a farm, a residence with a large property, etc.?

A: The property is residential, on approximately 40 acres of land.

Q: Are investigators examining whether the three people found on the property are connected? Have the suspects charged in connection with Robbie Thomson’s death been ruled out in the other two cases?

A: Investigators are examining all relevant information and circumstances. At this time, the OPP is not in a position to confirm any connection between the [alleged] homicide of Robbie Thomson and the deaths of Robert Lambert and Lawrence Bertrim, other than they were all located deceased on the same property on Kelly Jordan Road in Smiths Falls.

Q: Can you say how long each of the three deceased had been at the property?

A: This information is part of the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPP.

Q: Did any of the three people found on the property have criminal histories, or are police investigating possible connections to activities such as drug trafficking or motorcycle gangs?

A: I am not able to comment or provide this information.

Q: Are police continuing to search the property for additional human remains? Is there any reason to believe more remains could be found?

A: We remain on scene at the property as part of the ongoing investigation.

Q: Given that three deceased people have now been found on the same property, are investigators considering the possibility that the deaths could be part of a broader pattern or involve the same person or people?

A: While three deceased individuals have been located on the same property, the causes of death for Lambert and Bertrim have not yet been confirmed. We suspect foul play; however, our investigators are following the evidence and the facts. We will not speculate about possible motives, connections or classifications of the case.

Our focus remains on determining exactly what happened to the individuals and ensuring a thorough investigation. This is a complex investigation that will take time and we are asking for the public’s patience as investigators continue their work.

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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.

Lanarkist will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.