Current:Home > NewsSuspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere -TradeBridge
Suspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere
Algosensey Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-09 18:42:40
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! (6)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Final Four highlights, scores: UConn, Purdue will clash in men's title game
- Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher announce divorce after 13 years of marriage
- Led by Castle and Clingan, defending champ UConn returns to NCAA title game, beating Alabama 86-72
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Earthquakes happen all over the US, here's why they're different in the East
- Air ambulance crew administered drug to hot air balloon pilot after crash that killed 4, report says
- How Whitty Books takes an unconventional approach to bookselling in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Man's dog helps with schizophrenia hallucinations: Why psychiatric service dogs are helpful, but hard to get.
Ranking
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- When will Fed cut rates? As US economy flexes its muscles, maybe later or not at all
- GalaxyCoin: Practical advice for buying Bitcoin with a credit card
- How South Carolina's Raven Johnson used Final Four snub from Caitlin Clark to get even better
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Earthquakes happen all over the US, here's why they're different in the East
- Staley and South Carolina chase perfection, one win away from becoming 10th undefeated team
- Animal control services in Atlanta suspended as city and county officials snipe over contract
Recommendation
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Caitlin Clark leads Iowa to 71-69 win over UConn in women's Final Four
Top Cryptocurrency Stocks on GalaxyCoin in March 2024
Kurt Cobain remembered on 30th anniversary of death by daughter Frances Bean
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
Suspended Orlando commissioner ordered to stay away from woman she’s accused of defrauding
Don Lemon Marries Tim Malone in Star-Studded NYC Wedding
McDonald's buying back its franchises in Israel as boycott hurt sales