Two Burnaby residents charged in homicide of missing 11-year-old boy
The charges follow a year-long investigation that began with a wellness check for Kai Pavlovic in September 2025.
BURNABY · Two Burnaby residents have been charged in connection with the homicide of 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who was reported missing last year. Branko Bijelic, 51, faces charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains, while Sarah Bijelic, 46, is charged with one count of manslaughter. The charges were announced Monday by B.C.'s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. The investigation began on Sept. 26, 2025, when Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on Pavlovic's well-being after he was last known to be living with his family in the city.
Police were unable to locate the boy after several days of searching, and the case was escalated to the Burnaby RCMP Serious Crimes Unit. "Despite significant efforts over several days, police were unable to locate Kai," said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. The investigation was subsequently escalated to a high-risk missing person investigation. That unit conducted an extensive investigation over the following months, following up on information from family members and the public.
IHIT took over the investigation on June 25, 2026, and the probe ultimately led to the discovery of Pavlovic's remains. Police have not disclosed when or where the remains were found. On Oct. 30, 2026, investigators arrested Branko Bijelic in connection with the case. The BC Prosecution Service has now approved the charges against both individuals.
READ MORE: Man charged with first-degree murder in death of Montreal woman killed during Zoom call
Public appeals and a caretaker lead
The investigation into Kai Pavlovic's disappearance involved multiple police units and a public appeal for information. The RCMP appealed to the public for help locating the boy after he was reported missing. In October 2025, police said they believed the boy was staying with a caretaker, whom they were trying to identify. They had asked the caretaker to come forward and confirm he was safe. Authorities said it was possible the child may have been active in social and extracurricular activities in the community.
Police launched a province-wide billboard campaign to find Pavlovic last year. The serious crimes unit continued its work for months before IHIT's involvement. "Working closely with Burnaby SCU, investigators continued efforts to locate Kai and advance the investigation, which ultimately led to the discovery of his remains," IHIT said. Police have not provided information on any connection between the Bijelics and Pavlovic.
Police express sorrow and thank the public
In announcing the charges, Sgt. Freda Fong expressed the heavy toll of the case. "It is with heavy hearts that we share this update in the investigation into Kai’s death," Fong said. "There are no words to accurately express the sadness surrounding the circumstances." She acknowledged the impact on the community and extended condolences to the boy's loved ones.
"We recognize the concern this investigation has caused within the community, and our thoughts are with Kai’s loved ones and those affected by this tragedy," Fong said. "We thank the public for their assistance and for coming forward with information." Fong described the laying of charges as a significant milestone after more than a year of investigation, but noted work continues as the case moves through the prosecution process. "IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong says work will continue as the case moves through the prosecution process," according to the police release.
With files from CBC News, Global News and CityNews