Two Charged in Kai Pavlovic Homicide Case in Burnaby, B.C.

Two people have been charged in connection with the homicide of Kai Pavlovic, an 11-year-old boy whose disappearance in Burnaby, British Columbia, prompted a lengthy police investigation in 2025 and 2026.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced that charges were approved after investigators spent more than a year pursuing the case. The development marks a significant step in the investigation, although the legal process is still ongoing.

According to information released by IHIT and reported by Canadian media, the charges involve two Burnaby residents. One faces charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains, while the other has been charged with manslaughter.

Two People Charged in Kai Pavlovic Homicide

Investigators confirmed that 51-year-old Branko Bijelic of Burnaby was arrested on Friday, October 30, 2026. The British Columbia Prosecution Service approved charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains against him.

Separately, 46-year-old Sarah Bijelic, also of Burnaby, was charged with one count of manslaughter.

The charges were announced by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, which took over the investigation earlier in 2026. The announcement does not establish guilt. Both accused individuals are subject to the court process, and the allegations must be addressed through the justice system.

Who Was Kai Pavlovic?

Kai Pavlovic was 11 years old when police began searching for him in Burnaby, a city in British Columbia's Metro Vancouver region.

His disappearance became a public concern after Burnaby RCMP received a request to check on his well-being in September 2025. Police were unable to locate him, and the case developed into a high-risk missing-person investigation.

Authorities appealed to members of the public for information that could help establish Kai's whereabouts. The search also drew attention from people in the local community as investigators continued their efforts.

How the Missing Child Investigation Began

According to the investigation timeline, Burnaby RCMP received the initial request for a well-being check in September 2025. Officers attempted to locate Kai but were unsuccessful despite significant efforts over several days.

The case was subsequently escalated to a high-risk missing-person investigation and assigned to the Burnaby RCMP Serious Crimes Unit.

During the following months, investigators pursued different lines of inquiry and followed up on information provided by family members and members of the public. Police continued working to establish what had happened to the missing child.

IHIT Takes Over the Investigation

On June 25, 2026, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team assumed responsibility for the investigation. IHIT worked alongside the Burnaby RCMP Serious Crimes Unit as the case continued.

Investigators maintained their efforts to locate Kai and advance the investigation. Those efforts ultimately led to the discovery of his remains, according to the statement attributed to IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong.

The discovery changed the direction of the case from a missing-person investigation to a homicide investigation. Police continued gathering evidence and examining information connected to the circumstances surrounding Kai's death.

What IHIT Said About the Charges

In its public update, IHIT described the announcement as a significant milestone after more than a year of investigative work.

Sgt. Freda Fong expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding Kai's death and acknowledged the concern the investigation had caused in the community. She also thanked members of the public who provided assistance and information.

IHIT noted that the investigation involved cooperation with Burnaby RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service.

Although charges have now been approved, investigators said their work continues as the case moves through the prosecution process.

What Happens After Criminal Charges Are Laid?

The approval of criminal charges is an important stage in a Canadian criminal investigation, but it is not the same as a conviction. The allegations must be considered through the court process, where the accused have the right to respond to the charges.

A charge of second-degree murder and a charge of manslaughter are distinct offences under Canadian criminal law. The specific allegations in this case will be addressed through the legal proceedings, and further details may become available as the case progresses.

IHIT has said it will not release additional information while the matter is before the courts. This means some questions about the investigation and the circumstances of Kai's death may remain unanswered publicly for now.

Why the Burnaby Case Drew Public Attention

Kai's disappearance attracted attention because he was a young child and police were unable to locate him after receiving the initial well-being request. Investigators sought help from the public during the search, making community information an important part of the case.

The announcement of homicide charges brings a new development to a case that had remained under investigation for more than a year. It also marks the beginning of a further legal process, rather than the conclusion of all proceedings.

For Kai's loved ones and members of the Burnaby community, the case remains a deeply distressing event. IHIT has acknowledged the impact of the investigation and thanked those who came forward to assist.

Latest Update on the Kai Pavlovic Homicide Investigation

As of November 2, 2026, the publicly reported update is that Branko Bijelic, 51, has been charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains, while Sarah Bijelic, 46, has been charged with manslaughter.

The investigation was handled by IHIT in cooperation with Burnaby RCMP and other partner agencies. Police have indicated that the case is now before the courts and that they will not provide further details at this stage.

Readers can follow official updates through the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and review the original news report for additional coverage. For more reporting on Canadian news and public safety, visit NorthPulse3's Canada news coverage.