Two charged in death of 11-year-old boy found missing in Burnaby
Investigators arrested a man and woman in October following the discovery of the child's remains after a year-long search.
By Aiko Soto ·
Branko Bijelic, 51, and Sarah Bijelic, 46, face criminal charges in the death of Kai Pavlovic, an 11-year-old New Zealand citizen. The arrests took place in Burnaby, British Columbia, marking a formal conclusion to the active search phase of the case.
Pavlovic went missing in 2025. The Burnaby Royal Canadian Mounted Police initiated a well-being check on September 26, 2025. At that time, officers believed the boy was in the care of an unidentified caretaker. The British Columbia Integrated Homicide Investigation Team assumed control of the case in June 2026. They collaborated with the Burnaby Serious Crimes Unit to locate the child. Their efforts resulted in the discovery of Pavlovic's remains.
On October 30, local time, investigators arrested Bijelic on charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains. They charged Sarah Bijelic with manslaughter. Sergeant Freda Fong of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team stated that the team shared the update with heavy hearts. She noted that investigators recognized the concern the case caused within the community. The team expressed gratitude for public assistance and information provided during the search.
Fong described the charges as a milestone following more than a year of investigation. She confirmed that the work continues as the case moves through the prosecution process. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said it would not release further information because the matter is now before the courts.
Pavlovic relocated to Vancouver with his mother and stepfather in 2023. He held New Zealand citizenship but had extended family in Montenegro. His aunt, Helen Kok, described him as an exceptionally kind and intelligent boy. She noted that he was outgoing and brave. The family reported losing contact with the boy and expressed grave concern for his safety. They described themselves as devastated by the situation.
The charges connect the deaths of the child to the two adults living in Burnaby. The legal process will now determine the specific roles of each defendant. The family of Pavlovic, spanning New Zealand and Montenegro, awaits the outcome of the court proceedings.
