Homicide charges laid in death of missing Burnaby boy, 11
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the case back in June and Kai Pavlovic’s remains were later located
Last updated 1 day ago
The remains of an 11-year-old boy reported missing last year have been found and two people are now facing homicide charges.
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Kai Pavlovic was first reported missing in September 2025, when Burnaby RCMP were asked to conduct a well-being check on the boy, who was last known to be living with members of his family in Burnaby.
After police were unable to find Kai, the case was escalated to Burnaby RCMP’s serious crimes unit, which investigated for months.
In an update Monday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced Kai’s remains had been found after the team was brought onto the case in June 2026. Police have not disclosed when his remains were found or where.
Police also confirmed this week that charges had been announced against two people, who are family members.
On Friday, prosecutors approved a charge of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains against 51-year-old Branko Bijelic of Burnaby. Sarah Bijelic, 46, has been charged with manslaughter.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share this update in the investigation into Kai’s death,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “There are no words to accurately express the sadness surrounding the circumstances.
“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. We thank the public for their assistance and for coming forward with information.”
At the time of his reported disappearance, Kai had been living in Canada, but had limited contact with his family in New Zealand over the course of 2025.
After his disappearance, the New Zealand Herald reported that concerns had been raised by the family of Kai’s deceased father and shared with his family in New Zealand. The case was later escalated to a high-risk missing person investigation, with Kai’s family travelling to B.C. to search for him after his disappearance.
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In a statement, Kai’s family had described him as “a bright, curious, outgoing and kind little boy who loves to climb trees, build forts and learn to sail.”
Fong said the charges are “a significant milestone” after more than a year of investigation, but the inquiry continues as the case goes before the courts.
On Saturday, Branko Bijelic attended Vancouver Provincial Court and was charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains. He was detained by the court, pending a potential application for bail. His next scheduled appearance is Nov. 5 2026 at 10 a.m. in provincial court before a judicial case manager.
Sarah Bijelic was charged with one count of manslaughter in Vancouver Provincial Court, also on Saturday. She appeared in court again on Monday.
News reports out of the New Zealand at the time Kai went missing state that he moved to Canada with his mother and step-father in 2023, a year after Kai’s father died.
With files from David Carrigg
