Two charged in homicide of 11-year-old Burnaby boy reported missing in 2025
A Burnaby man, 51, faces second-degree murder charges and a woman, 46, is charged with manslaughter in the death of an 11-year-old boy, IHIT said.
Crime Canada newsroomPublished
Two Burnaby residents have been charged in the homicide of an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing in Burnaby, B.C., in September 2025, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said on November 2, 2026.
According to IHIT, investigators arrested Branko Bijelic, 51, of Burnaby on October 30, 2026. The BC Prosecution Service approved charges of second-degree murder and indignity to human remains against him. Sarah Bijelic, 46, of Burnaby, was charged with one count of manslaughter. The charges have not been proven in court.
From missing person case to homicide
Police said Burnaby RCMP received a request on September 26, 2025, to check on the well-being of the boy, who was last known to live with his family in Burnaby.
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Officers were unable to find him despite what police described as significant efforts over several days. The case was then escalated to a high-risk missing person investigation and taken over by the Burnaby RCMP Serious Crimes Unit.
Over the following months, investigators followed up on information from family members and the public, police said. IHIT took over the investigation on June 25, 2026, and, working with the Burnaby unit, continued efforts that ultimately led to the discovery of the boy's remains.
IHIT thanked Burnaby RCMP, Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service for their help.
Police statement
Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT said investigators share the update "with heavy hearts."
"There are no words to accurately express the sadness surrounding the circumstances."
Fong thanked the public for their assistance and for coming forward with information.
"The laying of charges marks a significant milestone following more than a year of investigation."
She added that the work continues as the case moves through the prosecution process.
Next steps
Because the matter is now before the courts, IHIT said it will not release further information. The case is IHIT file 2026-680. Media inquiries can be directed to Sgt. Freda Fong at 236-334-3081 or [email protected].
About these reports
This article is based on the official statement linked below. Charges are allegations; everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Official source: RCMP
