Current:Home > NewsSuspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Suspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere
View
Date:2025-04-17 19:33:45
The person suspected of murdering tech CEO Pava LaPere has been captured.
The Baltimore Police Department said they arrested suspect Jason Dean Billingsley on Sept. 27 after a day-long hunt for the 32-year-old, per The New York Times.
After a SWAT team took him into custody, Billingsley was charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing LaPere, who founded software company EcoMap Technologies, acting police commissioner Richard Worley said at a press conference Sept. 28.
The 26-year-old entrepreneur was found dead in her Baltimore apartment on Sept. 25, with her body showing signs of blunt-force trauma, police previously told NBC News. An arrest warrant for Billingsley was issued the next day, saying he was wanted for first-degree murder, assault and more charges.
Authorities said they tracked cellphone and spending activity to locate Billingsley, who was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison—with 16 years suspended—in 2015 after pleading guilty to a first-degree sex offense, per court records obtained by NBC News. He was released last year.
Worley said at the press conference, per NBC News, that are continuing to investigate "exactly what occurred" in LaPere's death.
"We do know there was no forced entry in the apartment building as this was a secured building," the commissioner continued. "We don't know if there are any connections previously to Ms. LaPere or Mr. Billingsley."
Following Billingsley's arrest, LaPere's family said in a statement obtained by NBC News they are "relieved to know he can no longer hurt other innocent victims."
"While this doesn't change that Baltimore lost one of its most passionate, influential fans," they continued, "our efforts remain focused on remembering and celebrating Pava Marie—her life, successes, and legacy."
LaPere was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and was honored on this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list for social impact.
E! News was not able to locate lawyer information for Billingsley to speak on his behalf.
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (792)
Related
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- More than 80 private, parochial schools apply to participate in new voucher program
- From trash-strewn beach to artwork: How artists are raising awareness of plastic waste
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 expands the smartphone experience—pre-order and save up to $1,000
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Shop Deals on Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Women's and Men's Wedding Guest Looks and Formal Wear
- You can finally pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and save up to $250 via trade-in
- From trash-strewn beach to artwork: How artists are raising awareness of plastic waste
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Peanuts for infants, poopy beaches and summer pet safety in our news roundup
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- The One-Mile Rule: Texas’ Unwritten and Arbitrary Policy Protects Big Polluters from Citizen Complaints
- What my $30 hamburger reveals about fees and how companies use them to jack up prices
- Plagued by Floods and Kept in the Dark, a Black Alabama Community Turns to a Hometown Hero for Help
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- A man dressed as a tsetse fly came to a soccer game. And he definitely had a goal
- What my $30 hamburger reveals about fees and how companies use them to jack up prices
- Chick-fil-A to build new restaurant concepts in Atlanta and New York City
Recommendation
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
'Love Island USA' week 2 heats up with a 'Vanderpump' cameo, feuds, so many love triangles
Erratic winds challenge firefighters battling two major California blazes
Women’s World Cup Guide: Results, schedule and how to watch
Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
IRS, Ivies and GDP
Shooting wounds 5 people in Michigan with 2 victims in critical condition, police say
The 75th Emmy Awards show has been postponed