Two Charged in Death of Missing New Zealand Boy in Canada

Burnaby Royal Canadian Mounted Police charged Branko Bijelic, 51, with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains. Sarah Bijelic, 46, faces a manslaughter charge. The arrests came on October 30, local time, in connection with the death of Kai Pavlovic, an 11-year-old New Zealand citizen who disappeared more than a year ago.

Kai moved to Vancouver with his mother and stepfather in 2023. On September 26, 2025, the Burnaby RCMP received a request for a well-being check. Officers believed the boy was in the care of an unidentified individual at the time.

Sergeant Freda Fong of the British Columbia Integrated Homicide Investigation Team stated that her unit assumed control of the case in June 2026. Working with the Burnaby Serious Crimes Unit, investigators continued searches for the missing child. Those efforts resulted in the discovery of Pavlovic's remains.

Fong described the charges as a major milestone after more than a year of active investigation. She noted that the team is currently moving the case through the prosecution process. The investigation team will not release further details while the matter is before the courts.

Helen Kok, the boy's aunt, spoke to RNZ before the arrests. She described Pavlovic as an exceptionally kind, intelligent, and funny young boy who was outgoing and made friends easily. Kok said the extended family, who are based in Montenegro and New Zealand, lost contact with him after his relocation. The family expressed deep concern for his safety and well-being during the period he was missing.

Fong acknowledged the sadness surrounding the circumstances and the impact on the community. She said investigators thank the public for providing information that aided the search. The family remains devastated by the situation and the loss of their relative.

The boy holds New Zealand citizenship. His parents lived in Vancouver when he went missing. The two accused reside in Burnaby, a city in the Greater Vancouver area.