Current:Home > FinanceSuspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere -CapitalWay
Suspect Captured in Murder of Tech CEO Pava LaPere
View
Date:2025-04-13 07:24:49
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
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- A record high number of dead trees are found as Oregon copes with an extreme drought
- Hurricane-damaged roofs in Puerto Rico remain a problem. One group is offering a fix
- Pregnant Lindsay Lohan and Husband Bader Shammas Spotted in NYC After Baby Shower
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Whether gas prices are up or down, don't blame or thank the president
- California plans to cut incentives for home solar, worrying environmentalists
- Greta Thunberg's 'The Climate Book' urges world to keep climate justice out front
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Pamper Yourself With an $18 Deal on $53 Worth of Clinique Products
Ranking
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- As farmers split from the GOP on climate change, they're getting billions to fight it
- Nicole weakens to a tropical storm after reaching Florida's east coast
- Why Rachel McAdams Wanted to Show Her Armpit Hair and Body in All Its Glory
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Cheryl Burke Shares Message on Starting Over After Retirement and Divorce
- Grasslands: The Unsung Carbon Hero
- COP27 climate talks start in Egypt, as delegates arrive from around the world
Recommendation
'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
Why Frank Ocean's Eyebrow-Raising Coachella 2023 Performance Was Cut Short
Pregnant Lindsay Lohan and Husband Bader Shammas Spotted in NYC After Baby Shower
Paige DeSorbo Shares the No. 1 Affordable Accessory You Need to Elevate Your Wardrobe
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
More than 100 people are dead and dozens are missing in storm-ravaged Philippines
Don't Call It Dirt: The Science Of Soil
Love Is Blind’s Kwame Addresses Claim His Sister Is Paid Actress