Two charged in death of 11-year-old boy missing from Burnaby

Two family members are facing homicide charges in connection with the death of 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who was reported missing from Burnaby, B.C., in September 2025.

Charges and Arrests

On November 2, 2026, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced that charges have been laid against two individuals identified as family members of the boy. Branko Bijelic, 51, of Burnaby, was arrested on October 30 and is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains. Sarah Bijelic, 46, also of Burnaby, has been charged with manslaughter.

Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT stated that the charges are "a significant milestone following more than a year of investigation," but noted that the inquiry continues as the case moves through the prosecution process. Fong added that the incident was "not a stranger incident or a random incident," though a publication ban prevents the disclosure of the specific relationship between the accused and the victim.

Investigation Timeline

Kai Pavlovic was first reported missing on September 26, 2025, when Burnaby RCMP were asked to conduct a well-being check. At the time of his disappearance, police stated they had "reason to believe he is with a caretaker, who police are actively working to identify."

Following the initial report, the case was escalated to the Burnaby RCMP’s serious crimes unit (SCU), which conducted an extensive investigation over several months. The investigation was later assumed by the IHIT on June 25, 2026. The IHIT eventually located the remains of the boy, though police have not disclosed the specific date or location where the remains were found.

Sgt. Fong stated that the alleged offence that led to Kai's death occurred in 2025, "dating before the missing report came into the police."

Background and Family Impact

Kai Pavlovic, a New Zealand citizen, had relocated to Vancouver in 2023 with his mother and stepfather. His family in New Zealand had expressed "grave concerns for his safety" and had reached out to police in September 2025 because it was out of character for him not to have been seen by family members.

In a statement, Kai’s family described him as "a bright, curious, outgoing and kind little boy who loves to climb trees, build forts and learn to sail." His aunt, Helen Kok, told RNZ that Kai was "an exceptionally kind, caring, intelligent, and funny young boy" and noted that his extended family from both Montenegro and New Zealand "love him deeply, and miss him terribly."

Court Proceedings

Branko Bijelic appeared in court on Saturday and was detained pending a possible bail application. Sarah Bijelic was scheduled to appear in court late Monday. Due to a publication ban, IHIT stated it would not be releasing further information as the matter is now before the courts.

---

Sources

• vancouversun.com: Homicide charges laid in death of missing Burnaby boy Kai Pavlovic | Vancouver Sun
• mapleridgenews.com: 2 charged in homicide of 11-year-old Burnaby boy reported missing in 2025 | Maple Ridge News
• vancouver.citynews.ca: Murder charge laid in connection with death of boy reported missing last year: IHIT
• thestar.com: Murder charge laid in death of 11-year-old boy reported missing in Burnaby, B.C.
• rnz.co.nz: Charges laid in relation to death of 11-year-old NZ citizen who went missing in Canada | RNZ
• kelownacapnews.com: 2 charged in homicide of 11-year-old Burnaby boy reported missing in 2025 | Kelowna Capital News

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.