Two charged in death of missing B.C. child; Second teen pleads guilty in N.S. assault case

Homicide charges in British Columbia

Authorities have announced the discovery of the remains of 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who was reported missing in B.C.’s Lower Mainland in September 2025. Two individuals have been charged in connection with his death.

According to reports from CTV News, the charges are as follows:

• Branko Bijelic, 51, of Burnaby, has been charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains.
• Sarah Bijelic, 46, has been charged with manslaughter.

IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong stated, “This was not a stranger incident or a random incident,” and added, “At no point did we believe that there was a risk to the public.” Fong confirmed that the alleged offences took place within B.C. last year, prior to the child being reported missing. IHIT confirmed that both accused are family members of the deceased, though the specific relationship was not disclosed.

Many details regarding the case remain under a publication ban, including the location where the remains were found and the suspected motive. The Burnaby RCMP previously stated they discovered the boy’s disappearance after being asked to check on his well-being.

Guilty plea in Nova Scotia hockey hazing case

A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty in a Nova Scotia youth court to one count of sexual assault with a weapon and two counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to a violent hockey hazing incident that occurred on Oct. 3, 2025, during a team gathering in Colchester County, N.S.

According to an agreed statement of facts read in court by senior Crown attorney Patrick Young, two older players, who were 14 at the time of the incident, pinned down a 13-year-old rookie player. The court heard that one of the co-accused inserted a mini stick into the boy's buttocks. The assault lasted between 15 and 20 seconds.

In September, a second 15-year-old boy pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault with a weapon in relation to the same incident. The identities of the victims and the accused are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Legal proceedings and organizational response

The sentencing hearing for the second teenager is scheduled for February 22, 2027. The defense and the Crown attorney indicated they would recommend a joint sentencing submission.

Regarding the incident, the victims' families stated through their lawyer, Tara Miller, that "the guilty pleas mean they will not have to endure the additional stress and trauma of a trial" and that the pleas represent "an important recognition of their experiences."

In response to the incident, Hockey Nova Scotia initially suspended and later disbanded the team involved. Hockey Canada stated that an investigation into the incident was opened, and Jahmiah Ferdinand-Hodkin of Sport Dispute Management stated that adjudication processes regarding the complaints have now fully concluded.

Why it matters

The resolution of these cases follows significant public scrutiny regarding child safety and conduct within organized sports and community settings.

Sources

• ctvnews.ca: Kai Pavlovic: 2 charged in death of B.C. child
• theglobeandmail.com: Second Nova Scotia teen pleads guilty to sexual assault in hockey hazing case - The Globe and Mail
• yourhalifaxnow.ca: Second teen pleads guilty in Truro hockey hazing sexual assault case - Your Halifax Now

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