Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have filed first-degree murder charges against three individuals in connection with the disappearance of Robbie Thomson, who went missing from the Smiths Falls area two years ago. Thomson, aged 34 at the time of his disappearance in October 2023, prompted an extensive search effort involving canine units and aerial searches by law enforcement. Recently, a $50,000 reward was announced by the police for any information leading to a conviction in the case.
The community residing southwest of Ottawa was deeply unsettled by Thomson’s vanishing, compounded by the disappearances of two other men in the area, one of whom was later discovered deceased. However, authorities have not established any links between the three incidents.
While Thomson has not been located yet, the OPP has expressed the belief that he met with foul play. The focus of the investigation has now shifted towards locating his body. Charged with first-degree murder are Christopher Fenton, 48, and Erin Mackie, 40, both hailing from nearby Montague Township, along with Joshua Belfiori, aged 34, from Kingston. The trio was apprehended by law enforcement on Wednesday and is slated to appear in court on Thursday.
OPP representative Bill Dickson refrained from disclosing details regarding the evidence leading to the charges or the potential relationship between the suspects and Thomson. It remains premature to determine if the reward will be disbursed. The police have assured that the investigation is ongoing, and residents should anticipate heightened police activities in the vicinity of a residence on Kelly Jordan Road near Smiths Falls.
Described as a “gentle giant,” Thomson’s family fondly remembers him as a person who defended his Junior B hockey teammates and was always ready to assist with household tasks. His sister, Tabatha Thomson, recounted the abrupt cessation of communication following his disappearance, which triggered concern among friends and family. George Thomson, the missing man’s father, acknowledged the arrests made on Wednesday as a source of comfort for the family, while expressing the hope that law enforcement will locate his son’s remains. The emotional toll of his absence was highlighted by George’s poignant statement about constantly mistaking strangers for his son and yearning for his return, underscoring the profound void left by Thomson’s disappearance.