Charges Laid in Death of Missing 11-Year-Old Burnaby Boy Kai Pavlovic

Two Burnaby residents have been charged in the death of 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who was reported missing in Burnaby more than a year ago, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced on November 2, 2026.

This is a developing court case. The charges have not been proven in court. Both people charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

What police said

On September 26, 2025, Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on the well-being of Kai Pavlovic, who was last known to reside with his family in Burnaby.

Despite significant efforts over several days, police were unable to locate Kai. The investigation was escalated to a high-risk missing person investigation and assumed by Burnaby RCMP's Serious Crimes Unit.

On June 25, 2026, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team assumed conduct of the investigation.

On October 30, 2026, IHIT investigators arrested 51-year-old Branko Bijelic of Burnaby. The BC Prosecution Service has approved charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains against Branko Bijelic. 46-year-old Sarah Bijelic of Burnaby was charged with one count of manslaughter.

IHIT said its investigators, working with Burnaby's Serious Crimes Unit, continued efforts to locate Kai and advance the case, which ultimately led to the discovery of his remains.

What happens next

IHIT said that because the matter is now before the courts, it will not be releasing further information.

IHIT has also said many details are protected by a publication ban, and that no trial has taken place and no verdict has been reached.

We will update this post only when IHIT, the BC Prosecution Service or the courts release new public information. We will not publish speculation, unverified details or information covered by a publication ban.

Source: Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, news release November 2, 2026, IHIT File # 2026-680. https://rcmp.ca/en/bc/ihit/news/2026/11/4358429

If you need support, contact the BC Crisis Centre at 1-800-784-2433, or Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.