Two people have been charged in British Columbia, Canada, in connection with the death of 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, a New Zealand citizen who went missing more than a year ago in Canada. Branko Bijelic, 51, of Burnaby, is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains, while Sarah Bijelic, 46, faces a manslaughter charge. IHIT said Branko was arrested on October 30 local time in relation to the charges.
Burnaby Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a request for a well-being check for Kai on 26 September 2025. IHIT took over the investigation in June 2026. The team said investigators, working with Burnaby Serious Crimes Unit, continued efforts to locate Kai and advance the investigation, which ultimately led to the discovery of his remains.
Sergeant Freda Fong of IHIT said the charges mark a "significant milestone following more than a year of investigation". She added: "There are no words to accurately express the sadness surrounding the circumstances." Fong acknowledged the concern the case has caused in the community and thanked the public for their assistance.
RNZ earlier reported that Kai's New Zealand-based family had grave concerns for his safety. His aunt, Helen Kok, described him as an “exceptionally kind, caring, intelligent, and funny young boy” who had moved to Vancouver with his mother and stepfather in 2023. She said the family was devastated and had lost contact with him.
The case is now before the courts, and IHIT has said it will not release further information at this stage.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The charges bring a critical development in a case that has drawn attention from New Zealand and Canada over the past year.
- The investigation highlights the challenges of cross-border cases and the importance of international police cooperation.
- As the case moves to court, it may provide answers to the family and community about Kai's death.
Background
Kai Pavlovic, an 11-year-old New Zealand citizen, relocated to Vancouver with his family in 2023. He went missing in September 2025, prompting a well-being check by Burnaby RCMP. The case was taken over by IHIT in June 2026, leading to the discovery of his remains and the subsequent charges.
Key Perspectives
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team: Sergeant Freda Fong described the charges as a significant milestone and expressed sadness over the tragedy, noting that the investigation continues as the case moves through prosecution.
Kai's Family: Helen Kok, Kai's aunt, shared that the family was devastated and gravely concerned, describing Kai as a kind, outgoing, and intelligent boy.
What to Watch
- The court proceedings and any further details that may emerge about the circumstances of Kai's death.
- How the family and community respond as they seek closure.
- Potential implications for how missing child cases are handled across jurisdictions.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedTwo people have been charged in connection with Kai Pavlovic’s death.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Two people have been charged in relation to the death of an 11-year-old boy with New Zealand family who went missing more than a year ago in Canada.”
- SupportedBranko Bijelic faces a second-degree murder charge.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “IHIT investigators arrested Branko Bijelic, a 51-year-old from Burnaby in relation to charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains.”
- SupportedSarah Bijelic was charged with manslaughter.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Sarah Bijelic, 46, was charged with manslaughter.”
- SupportedKai was 11 years old.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “the death of an 11-year-old boy”
- SupportedKai was a New Zealand citizen.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Kai, who is a New Zealand citizen”
- SupportedKai went missing in Canada more than a year before the report.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “who went missing more than a year ago in Canada”
- SupportedIHIT investigators arrested Branko on October 30 local time in relation to the charges.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “On October 30 local time, IHIT investigators arrested Branko Bijelic”
- SupportedIHIT took over the investigation in June 2026.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “in June this year the IHIT team took over the investigation.”
- SupportedInvestigators’ efforts to locate Kai and advance the investigation ultimately led to the discovery of his remains.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Working closely with Burnaby Serious Crimes Unit, investigators continued efforts to locate Kai and advance the investigation, which ultimately led to the discovery of his remains.”
- SupportedFong said the charges marked a “significant milestone following more than a year of investigation”.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Fong said the charges marked a "significant milestone following more than a year of investigation".”
- SupportedFong said, “There are no words to accurately express the sadness surrounding the circumstances.”RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “"There are no words to accurately express the sadness surrounding the circumstances."”
- SupportedKai’s aunt described him as an “exceptionally kind, caring, intelligent, and funny young boy”.RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Kai, who is a New Zealand citizen, was an "exceptionally kind, caring, intelligent, and funny young boy".”