A manhunt is underway in Baltimore for a suspect accused of killing a CEO of a tech start-up, who is also wanted on charges of attempted murder, rape, and arson from a separate incident last week, according to Baltimore police on Wednesday.
Police announced the manhunt on Tuesday, describing the suspect, Jason Dean Billingsley, as armed and "extremely dangerous."
The victim, Pava LaPere, 26, co-founded EcoMap Technologies and was recognized on this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list for social impact. She was found dead in her Baltimore apartment around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, following a missing-person call made earlier that day. Police revealed at a news conference on Tuesday that LaPere had suffered severe head injuries.
On Tuesday, city officials stated that an arrest warrant had been issued for Billingsley, 32, who is now facing first-degree murder charges in connection with LaPere's death. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) disclosed that Billingsley, a registered sex offender, had been released from prison last fall.
On Wednesday, police revealed that Billingsley was also wanted for attempted murder, arson, and rape in a different part of the city on September 19. A cash reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
"We urge residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times," stated acting Baltimore police commissioner Richard Worley during the news conference. "This individual is capable of killing and raping. He will do whatever it takes to cause harm."
The suspect's mother, Scarlett Billingsley, informed NBC News on Wednesday that she had exchanged text messages with her son on Tuesday and had urged him to surrender. "I told him to turn himself in because they're going to kill him," she said. She did not respond immediately to The Washington Post's request for comment.
Police have stated that LaPere and Billingsley did not know each other, but it remains unclear how authorities determined Billingsley as the suspect. Worley mentioned that LaPere's apartment complex had security measures in place that would have required someone to grant the suspect access to the building.
Billingsley, who is also facing charges of assault and reckless endangerment in relation to LaPere's murder, has previous convictions for violent crimes in 2009, 2011, and 2015, including a sex offense, according to city officials. After pleading guilty to a first-degree sex offense in 2015, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison with 14 years suspended, as indicated by records. However, Billingsley was released from prison in October of last year.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning. The agency informed the New York Times that Billingsley was released "on mandatory supervision as required by statute" and not on parole.
EcoMap Technologies, the Baltimore start-up co-founded by LaPere to enhance information accessibility through mapping and an accessible platform, expressed "profound sadness and shock" upon learning of her death.
"The circumstances surrounding Pava's death are deeply distressing, and our deepest condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly devastating time," the company wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. "Pava was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader."
A vigil is scheduled for Wednesday in memory of LaPere. Her father, Frank LaPere, described her as "an inspiration to so many people."
"She was driven, creative, hard-working, and relentless in her efforts with her wonderful team at EcoMap Technologies," he wrote on Facebook. "Pava made an impact in every endeavor she undertook and on every life she touched. She will be forever missed as a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and loyal friend."
Police announced the manhunt on Tuesday, describing the suspect, Jason Dean Billingsley, as armed and "extremely dangerous."
The victim, Pava LaPere, 26, co-founded EcoMap Technologies and was recognized on this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list for social impact. She was found dead in her Baltimore apartment around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, following a missing-person call made earlier that day. Police revealed at a news conference on Tuesday that LaPere had suffered severe head injuries.
On Tuesday, city officials stated that an arrest warrant had been issued for Billingsley, 32, who is now facing first-degree murder charges in connection with LaPere's death. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) disclosed that Billingsley, a registered sex offender, had been released from prison last fall.
On Wednesday, police revealed that Billingsley was also wanted for attempted murder, arson, and rape in a different part of the city on September 19. A cash reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
"We urge residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times," stated acting Baltimore police commissioner Richard Worley during the news conference. "This individual is capable of killing and raping. He will do whatever it takes to cause harm."
The suspect's mother, Scarlett Billingsley, informed NBC News on Wednesday that she had exchanged text messages with her son on Tuesday and had urged him to surrender. "I told him to turn himself in because they're going to kill him," she said. She did not respond immediately to The Washington Post's request for comment.
Police have stated that LaPere and Billingsley did not know each other, but it remains unclear how authorities determined Billingsley as the suspect. Worley mentioned that LaPere's apartment complex had security measures in place that would have required someone to grant the suspect access to the building.
Billingsley, who is also facing charges of assault and reckless endangerment in relation to LaPere's murder, has previous convictions for violent crimes in 2009, 2011, and 2015, including a sex offense, according to city officials. After pleading guilty to a first-degree sex offense in 2015, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison with 14 years suspended, as indicated by records. However, Billingsley was released from prison in October of last year.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning. The agency informed the New York Times that Billingsley was released "on mandatory supervision as required by statute" and not on parole.
EcoMap Technologies, the Baltimore start-up co-founded by LaPere to enhance information accessibility through mapping and an accessible platform, expressed "profound sadness and shock" upon learning of her death.
"The circumstances surrounding Pava's death are deeply distressing, and our deepest condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly devastating time," the company wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. "Pava was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader."
A vigil is scheduled for Wednesday in memory of LaPere. Her father, Frank LaPere, described her as "an inspiration to so many people."
"She was driven, creative, hard-working, and relentless in her efforts with her wonderful team at EcoMap Technologies," he wrote on Facebook. "Pava made an impact in every endeavor she undertook and on every life she touched. She will be forever missed as a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and loyal friend."
LaPere was recognized as an inventive leader. She established EcoMap alongside chief operating officer Sherrod Davis while still attending Johns Hopkins University at the age of 21, as stated on the company's website. In a 2018 interview with the university, LaPere, who grew up in Tucson, expressed her enthusiasm for consolidating resources for entrepreneurs.
"If you have a genuine passion for the problem you're solving, none of it feels like work," she remarked. "I know it may sound cliché, but it's the truth. When you love the problem, you can wholeheartedly invest your energy into your venture without any hesitation, and that's what makes the challenges of entrepreneurship worthwhile."
Forbes acknowledged LaPere in its 30 Under 30 list, highlighting that her company had successfully raised over $4 million and secured clients such as the Aspen Institute, Meta, the WXR Fund, and the T. Rowe Price Foundation. Following a fruitful funding round in June, LaPere expressed her pride in the significant number of investors from her hometown of Baltimore.
"We are deeply committed to making a positive impact on our city, and we take pride in being part of its thriving tech community," she stated in a news release.
Baltimore police are urging anyone with information regarding Billingsley's whereabouts to contact 911. Individuals providing tips leading to his arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $6,000, according to the police.
Mayor Scott shared with reporters that he felt honored to have gotten to know LaPere, describing her as "a very young, talented, devoted Baltimorean... who would lend a helping hand to anyone she encountered."
"To have such a bright light extinguished by someone who has no regard for anything other than causing harm is something that should deeply affect every resident of Baltimore," the mayor expressed.