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Investigators in southeastern Ontario have uncovered human remains on a residential property in Montague, raising alarm and sorrow in the local community. This discovery follows the earlier findings of two other sets of remains at the same location, prompting a deeper investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
A Somber Investigation
On Tuesday, police confirmed that the remains found on Kelly Jordan Road belong to Lawrence Bertrim, a man who vanished nearly four years ago. Bertrim was 42 when he was last seen in September 2022 in downtown Smiths Falls, located just a short distance from Montague. Detective Inspector Jennifer Patton of the OPP stated that the cause of Bertrim’s death has yet to be established, emphasising that the investigation is ongoing and far from complete.
This marks the third set of human remains discovered on this particular property. The first set was located during a search warrant executed last autumn, on October 30. Those remains were identified as belonging to Robbie Thomson, a 34-year-old from Smiths Falls, who had been missing since 2020. In connection with Thomson’s death, three individuals—Christopher Fenton, Erin Mackie, and Joshua Belfiori—face first-degree murder charges, while a fourth, Mark Fenton, is charged as an accessory after the fact.
The Latest Findings
Last month, a second set of remains was found at the same site, later identified through a postmortem examination as belonging to Robert Lambert. Lambert, who had been reported missing in November 2018, was 75 years old at the time of his disappearance. He had moved to Ontario from the United States in 2004 to marry his fiancée, Kathy, and had lived in the Smiths Falls area until her death in 2016.
Detective Inspector Serge Acay expressed concern for Lambert’s case, noting that he had no biological family and required assistance from personal support workers. Initially, police were led to believe that Lambert had returned to the US, but there was no evidence to support this claim. To assist in the investigation, the OPP has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction related to Lambert’s case, mirroring a similar offer for Bertrim’s situation.
Community Reaction
The property, which spans 40 acres, has become a focal point for both investigators and concerned citizens. According to property records, Lambert purchased the land in 2004, with Christopher Fenton being added as a co-owner shortly before Lambert disappeared. Fenton was also named Lambert’s power of attorney.
As the investigation unfolds, local officials are advising residents to remain calm. Karen Jennings, reeve for Montague Township, described the latest discovery as “heartbreaking news for our community.” In a statement, she acknowledged the distress such revelations can cause and reassured the public that there is currently no threat to their safety. She emphasised the need to respect the privacy of the families involved while allowing investigators to carry out their work.
Why it Matters
The discovery of human remains in Montague has not only highlighted the tragic circumstances surrounding the individuals involved but has also raised significant concerns within the community. As investigations continue, the impact on local residents is profound, with many left grappling with feelings of uncertainty and fear. The OPP’s commitment to uncovering the truth is crucial, as the resolution of these cases is essential for providing closure to affected families and restoring a sense of security to the community at large.
