Current:Home > NewsSuspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere -GrowthProspect
Suspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere
View
Date:2025-04-19 02:39:23
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! (2)
Related
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Their sacrifice: Selfess Diamondbacks 'inch closer,' even World Series with 16-hit ambush
- 'Rare and precious': Watch endangered emperor penguin hatch at SeaWorld San Diego
- Deion Sanders after his son gets painkiller injection in loss: `You go get new linemen'
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Hilarie Burton Raving About Jeffrey Dean Morgan Will Make You Believe in Soulmates
- Live updates | Israeli military intensifies strikes on Gaza including underground targets
- JAY-Z on the inspiration behind Blue Ivy's name
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Launches First Ever Menswear Collection
Ranking
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Watch as a curious bear rings a doorbell at a California home late at night
- MLB to vote on Oakland A's relocation to Las Vegas next month
- What is a walking school bus? Hint: It has no tires but lots of feet and lots of soul
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- 2 dead, 18 injured in Tampa street shooting, police say
- An Alabama Coal Plant Once Again Nabs the Dubious Title of the Nation’s Worst Greenhouse Gas Polluter
- 6 people were killed and 40 injured when two trains collided in southern India
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
West Virginia's Akok Akok 'stable' at hospital after 'medical emergency' in exhibition game
Shooting kills 2 and injures 18 victims in Florida street with hundreds of people nearby
Why is there a fuel shortage in Gaza, and what does it mean for Palestinians?
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
5 children die in boat accident while on school outing to Kenya amusement park
C.J. Stroud's exceptional start for Texans makes mockery of pre-NFL draft nonsense
What is a walking school bus? Hint: It has no tires but lots of feet and lots of soul