An RCMP emergency command vehicle photographed in Burnaby in June 2009. File photo; the image is unrelated to the investigation into Kai Pavlovic's death.
Photo credit: Richard Eriksson
BURNABY — Two Burnaby residents have been charged in connection with the death of 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who was reported missing in September 2025, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Monday, Nov. 2.
Branko Bijelic, 51, is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains, while Sarah Bijelic, 46, is charged with one count of manslaughter. IHIT said the BC Prosecution Service approved the charges against Branko Bijelic. The allegations have not been proven in court.
IHIT investigators arrested Branko Bijelic on Oct. 30. The announcement did not state whether Sarah Bijelic had been arrested or provide information about court appearances.
On Sept. 26, 2025, Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on Kai’s well-being. Police said he was last known to be living with his family in Burnaby. After several days of efforts to find him, the investigation was classified as a high-risk missing-person case and assigned to Burnaby RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit.
Over the following months, the unit pursued information from family members and the public. IHIT assumed responsibility for the investigation on June 25, 2026, and continued working with Burnaby RCMP. Investigators eventually located Kai’s remains, but IHIT has not disclosed when or where they were found.
“While this is an important development, our work continues as the case moves through the prosecution process,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT in the Nov. 2 announcement. Fong thanked members of the public for providing information and acknowledged the effect of the investigation on Kai’s loved ones and the community.
IHIT also acknowledged assistance from Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service. Police said they would not release further information because the case is before the courts.
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