Man accused of killing 11-year-old Burnaby boy makes 1st court appearance

Simon Little · CBC News

· Posted: Nov 05, 2026 5:57 PM EST | Last Updated: 31 minutes ago

One of two people charged in relation to the death of an 11-year-old Burnaby, B.C., boy appeared in a Vancouver courtroom for the first time on Thursday.

Branko Bijelic, 51, is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains in the death of Kai Pavlovic.

He and 46-year-old Sarah Bijelic, who was also charged with manslaughter in the case, were both family members of the boy, according to police.

A publication ban prevents CBC News from reporting on any details about Sarah Bijelic's court proceedings.

Police allege Kai Pavlovic was killed prior to being reported missing on Sept. 26, 2025. (Submitted by Burnaby RCMP)

Branko, who has yet to enter a plea, appeared by video link dressed in a red sweatshirt and glasses.

He sat quietly during proceedings, which were put over until later this month.

• Family members charged in homicide of missing 11-year-old Burnaby, B.C., boy

A family member from New Zealand, who identified herself as Kai's grandmother, was present in court gallery, but declined to speak with journalists.

In a statement to CBC News, Kai's aunt Helen Kok said the family remains "absolutely devastated" by his death, and will "forever have a Kai shaped hole in our hearts."

Kai's aunt Helen Kok said the family remains 'absolutely devastated' by his death, and will 'forever have a Kai shaped hole in our hearts.' (Submitted by Burnaby RCMP)

"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," the statement adds.

"We are grateful for closure after a long time of not knowing."

The family also asked the public to refrain from judgement, conjecture and speculation.

• Burnaby RCMP renew call for information as search continues for missing 11-year-old boy

The Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced charges in the case on Nov. 2, more than a year after the boy was reported missing.

Police allege Kai was killed prior to being reported missing on Sept. 26, 2025.

The boy's remains were discovered at an undisclosed location earlier this year, according to IHIT. (Submitted by Burnaby RCMP)

According to police, Burnaby RCMP had received a request to check on the boy's well-being that day, and escalated the case to the Serious Crimes Unit when they were unable to locate him.

The case was later escalated again to IHIT.

• Mounties in Burnaby, B.C., searching for missing 11-year-old boy

The boy's remains were discovered at an undisclosed location earlier this year, according to IHIT.

Family members have launched a fundraiser with the goal of transporting Kai's remains to Montenegro so he can be buried with his father, and for the creation of a memorial garden in New Zealand.