Current:Home > MarketsSuspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere -Edge Finance Strategies
Suspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere
View
Date:2025-04-17 14:50:16
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! (226)
Related
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- When is the 2024 NFL draft? Dates, times, location for this year's extravaganza
- The Beatles' 1970 film 'Let It Be' to stream on Disney+ after decades out of circulation
- Mike Tyson is giving up marijuana while training for Jake Paul bout. Here's why.
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- 13-year-old girl killed, 12-year-old boy in custody after shooting at Iowa home
- How Do Neighbors of Solar Farms Really Feel? A New Survey Has Answers
- Katy Perry Reveals Amazing Singer She Wants to Replace Her on American Idol
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Mike Tyson is giving up marijuana while training for Jake Paul bout. Here's why.
Ranking
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- ABBA, Blondie, The Notorious B.I.G. among 2024's additions to National Recording Registry
- House sends Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate as clash over trial looms
- Justice Clarence Thomas absent from Supreme Court arguments Monday with no reason given
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Meghan Markle’s First Product From Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard Revealed
- ABBA, Blondie, The Notorious B.I.G. among 2024's additions to National Recording Registry
- Heavy rains lash UAE and surrounding nations as the death toll in Oman flooding rises to 18
Recommendation
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Caitlin Clark will play right away and drive ticket sales. What about other WNBA draftees?
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Coast to Coast
A big pet peeve: Soaring costs of vet care bite into owners' budgets
Trump's 'stop
Caitlin Clark will play right away and drive ticket sales. What about other WNBA draftees?
Patrick Mahomes Shares What He’s Learned From Friendship With Taylor Swift
Retired general’s testimony links private contractor to Abu Ghraib abuses