Charges have been laid in connection with the homicide of an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing in Burnaby in September 2025.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said in a news release that on Sept. 26, 2025, Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on the wellbeing of Kai Pavlovic, who was last known to live with his family in the city.
The homicide team said over a few days, police were unable to locate Pavlovic and the investigation was referred to Burnaby RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit (SCU).
Investigators said over the following months, SCU conducted an extensive investigation and followed up on information from family members and the public.
On June 25, 2026, the homicide team took over the case and the investigation ultimately led to the discovery of Pavlovic’s remains, police said.
On Oct. 30, 2026, investigators arrested 51-year-old Branko Bijelic of Burnaby in connection with the case.
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The BC Prosecution Service has now approved charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains against Bijelic.
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Sarah Bijelic of Burnaby, 46, was also charged with one count of manslaughter.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share this update in the investigation into Kai’s death,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT in the release.
“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.”
In a statement to Global News, Helen Kok, Pavlovic’s aunt said: “We are absolutely devastated by the tragic news of Kai’s passing, and will forever have a Kai shaped hole in our hearts. This is news our family never wanted to receive.
“Kai was the light of our lives and we will miss the joy, creativity, and sense of adventure he brought with him wherever he went, and that is how we will remember him.
“We are grateful for closure after a long time of not knowing, and grateful to those who have worked so hard to find the answers. We ask for privacy to grieve at this time, and for the public to refrain from judgement, conjecture, and speculation.”
The homicide team did not provide information on any connection between the Bijelics and Pavlovic.
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