Current:Home > FinanceSuspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere -ProfitClass
Suspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere
View
Date:2025-04-18 17:06:12
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! (71141)
Related
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Watch: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce share celebratory kiss after Chiefs win AFC championship
- Get $504 Worth of Anti-Aging Skincare for $88 and Ditch Wrinkles— Dr. Dennis Gross, EltaMD, Obaji & More
- 2 accused of racing held for trial in crash with school van that killed a teen and injured others
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- A Costco mirror, now a Sam's Club bookcase: What to know about the latest online dupe
- Homeless found living in furnished caves in California highlight ongoing state crisis
- Key points from AP analysis of Trump’s New York civil fraud case
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Felipe Nasr, Porsche teammates give Roger Penske his first overall Rolex 24 win since 1969
Ranking
- American news website Axios laying off dozens of employees
- CIA Director William Burns to hold Hamas hostage talks Sunday with Mossad chief, Qatari prime minister
- Ukrainian-born model Carolina Shiino crowned Miss Japan, ignites debate
- Ex-Philippines leader Duterte assails Marcos, accusing him of plotting to expand grip on power
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Chiefs vs. Ravens highlights: How KC locked up its second consecutive AFC championship
- Watch this miracle stray cat beat cancer after finding a loving home
- 70 Facts About Oprah Winfrey That Are Almost as Iconic as the Mogul Herself
Recommendation
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Taylor Swift gets an early reason to celebrate at AFC title game as Travis Kelce makes a TD catch
U.S. pauses UNRWA funding as U.N. agency probes Israel's claim that staffers participated in Oct. 7 Hamas attack
Ted Koppel on his longtime friend Charles Osgood
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
A Rolex seller meets up with a Facebook Marketplace thief. It goes all wrong from there
Teen awaiting trial in 2020 homicide who fled outside hospital is captured in Philadelphia
More highlights from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival