World · North America · 1 hr ago
Two people charged in death of missing 11-year-old in Burnaby
Police say Kai Pavlovic was killed after the 11-year-old went missing from Burnaby, British Columbia, last year.
Branko Bijelic, 51, faces second-degree murder and indignity to human remains charges, police said.
Sarah Bijelic, 46, is charged with manslaughter in connection with Kai’s death.
Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on Kai on Sept.
26, 2025, but could not find him despite significant efforts.
The investigation moved from the police serious crimes unit to British Columbia’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, and police later found Kai’s remains.
Police have not said when or where his remains were found.
Last year, police had said they believed Kai was with a caretaker and launched a province-wide billboard campaign to find him.
Branko Bijelic has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who went missing from Burnaby, B.C., last year.
Sarah Bijelic has been charged with manslaughter.
Police said Pavlovic was the victim of a homicide and that investigators discovered his remains.
Police received a request to check on Pavlovic’s well-being on Sept. 26, 2025, and later escalated the case to homicide investigators.
Police have not said when or where his remains were found.
- Who
- Kai Pavlovic, an 11-year-old boy; Branko Bijelic and Sarah Bijelic have been charged in connection with his death.
- What
- Branko Bijelic faces second-degree murder and indignity to human remains charges. Sarah Bijelic faces one count of manslaughter.
- When
- Pavlovic went missing in 2025. Charges were announced on Nov. 2, 2026.
- Where
- Burnaby, British Columbia.
- Why
- Police said Pavlovic was the victim of a homicide. They did not state a motive.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on Kai Pavlovic’s well-being.
Police said they believed Pavlovic was with a caretaker and asked the caretaker to come forward to confirm he was safe.
IHIT announced charges against Branko Bijelic and Sarah Bijelic.
- Victim
- Kai Pavlovic, 11
- Branko Bijelic
- 51; charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains
- Sarah Bijelic
- 46; charged with one count of manslaughter
- Missing-person check
- Sept. 26, 2025
- Location
- Burnaby, British Columbia
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What people are saying
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.