More than a year after 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic was reported missing in Burnaby under mysterious circumstances, police have recovered his body and charged two of his family members for his death.
Police say 51-year-old Branko Bijelic has been charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains, and 46-year-old Sarah Bijelic has been charged with manslaughter. Both are residents of Burnaby.
Investigators remain tightlipped about when and how Kai’s body was found and the exact relationship between Kai and the accused, as much of the court proceedings are under a publication ban. The timing is also unclear, but IHIT says the allegations of the offences took place before he was reported missing to police.
Police initially received a request for a wellness check for Kai, who was last known to be living with his family in Burnaby, on Sept. 26, 2025, the Burnaby RCMP said at the time.
The RCMP appealed to the public for help locating the boy after he was reported missing. On Oct. 9, 2025, police said they believed Kai was staying with a caretaker, whom they were trying to identify. They said it was possible the child may have been active in social and extracurricular activities in the community.
“Despite significant efforts over several days, police were unable to locate Kai,” IHIT said Monday.
“The investigation was subsequently escalated to a high-risk missing person investigation and assumed by Burnaby RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit (SCU).”
The SCU conducted an extensive investigation over the next several months, Mounties say.
Homicide investigators took over the investigation on June 25, 2026.
“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.
IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong says work will continue as the case moves through the prosecution process.
“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.”
Branko Bijelic remains detained, pending a potential bail application in Superior Court. His next appearance will be this Thursday.
source: CityNews photo: Burnaby RCMP Handout Image
