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Suspect Apprehended in the Homicide of Acclaimed Baltimore Tech Founder Pava LaPere, According to Authorities

by Joshua Brown
10 comments
Arrest of Jason Billingsley

Early Thursday, authorities announced the arrest of an individual in connection with the homicide of Pava LaPere, a tech entrepreneur from Baltimore who gained national acclaim for her successful startup. The police did not disclose specifics about the circumstances that led to the apprehension of Jason Billingsley, but they intend to provide more information in a subsequent news briefing. Earlier this week, the police had issued an arrest warrant for Billingsley, indicating he was sought for a charge of first-degree murder related to LaPere’s death.

LaPere, who was 26, was commemorated during a Wednesday evening vigil as a person deeply committed to fostering community ties and enacting meaningful social change through entrepreneurship, even as her national standing continued to grow.

Authorities discovered LaPere’s body showing evidence of blunt force trauma in her apartment complex after she was reported missing on late Monday morning. LaPere, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, founded her tech startup, EcoMap Technologies, while still an undergraduate student.

On Tuesday, while identifying Billingsley as a suspect, authorities revealed that multiple levels of law enforcement—local, state, and federal—were involved in the manhunt. Records indicate that Billingsley, 32, was previously paroled in October of the prior year following a conviction for first-degree sexual assault in 2015. In a Wednesday afternoon update, police also identified Billingsley as a suspect in a separate case involving rape, attempted murder, and arson that took place on September 19 in Baltimore.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that LaPere had any prior acquaintance with Billingsley, according to officials.

The Public Defender’s Office, which has previously represented Billingsley, told The Big Big News on Tuesday that it was premature to issue a statement on the current case. As of Thursday morning, the office has not responded to email inquiries seeking comment on behalf of Billingsley.

While shaping EcoMap, LaPere was unswervingly dedicated to the altruistic initiatives that inspired her from the outset. “She was unyielding in her quest to achieve her objectives,” her father, Frank LaPere, informed an assembly of over 100 attendees at Wednesday night’s vigil.

As an undergraduate, LaPere played an instrumental role in initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. She initiated EcoMap in her Johns Hopkins dormitory. “She envisioned a renewed Baltimore, one not plagued by crime and poverty but emblematic of affluence and ingenuity—connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds to the resources they require,” stated Sherrod Davis, a Baltimore native and EcoMap’s co-founder.

In 2019, LaPere presented a TEDx talk at the Johns Hopkins campus where she delineated her trajectory into the startup ecosystem and her future aspirations. A news report on a car bombing in Syria changed her career plans from medicine, compelling her to aim for far-reaching systemic change, especially in marginalized communities.

Friends and family echoed that this philosophy was integral to EcoMap’s mission, which leverages technology to organize data, thereby making information universally accessible. Among their clientele are Meta, the corporate parent of Facebook and Instagram, and The Aspen Institute.

LaPere was an advocate for conscious capitalism, a responsible and ethical business model that has gained traction recently. She was also committed to diversity in hiring; her staff consisted equally of women and people of color. Earlier this year, she was listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the category of social impact. LaPere recently disclosed the expansion of EcoMap to a team of 30 and the inauguration of its offices in downtown Baltimore.

“The circumstances of her death are in stark contrast to who she was as a person, making the tragedy all the more staggering,” her close friend, Karina Mandell, said in an interview on Wednesday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Arrest of Jason Billingsley

Who was Pava LaPere?

Pava LaPere was a 26-year-old tech entrepreneur based in Baltimore, Maryland. She gained national recognition for founding EcoMap Technologies, a startup focused on making information more accessible and driving social change. LaPere was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University.

What were the circumstances of Pava LaPere’s death?

Pava LaPere was found dead in her apartment complex, showing signs of blunt force trauma. She was reported missing late on a Monday morning prior to the discovery of her body.

Who is the suspect in Pava LaPere’s homicide?

Jason Billingsley, aged 32, has been arrested as the suspect in Pava LaPere’s homicide. A warrant for his arrest had been issued earlier in the week on a charge of first-degree murder.

Were there other criminal charges against Jason Billingsley?

Yes, Jason Billingsley was paroled last October for a prior conviction of first-degree sexual assault in 2015. He is also currently suspected in a separate case involving rape, attempted murder, and arson in Baltimore.

Was Pava LaPere acquainted with Jason Billingsley?

As of the latest reports, officials have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Pava LaPere knew Jason Billingsley.

What is known about the arrest of Jason Billingsley?

Details surrounding the arrest have not been fully disclosed, but police have announced plans for a news briefing to provide more information.

What is the Public Defender’s Office’s stance on the case?

The Public Defender’s Office, which has previously represented Billingsley, stated that it was too early for them to comment on the case. As of Thursday morning, the office had not issued any further statements.

What was Pava LaPere’s vision for her startup, EcoMap Technologies?

Pava LaPere aimed to enact meaningful social change through her startup. EcoMap Technologies focused on using technology to organize data and make information universally accessible. The company’s client list included prominent organizations like Meta and The Aspen Institute.

What philanthropic efforts was Pava LaPere involved in?

Pava LaPere was committed to conscious capitalism and diverse hiring practices. She was dedicated to creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and affecting systemic change in marginalized communities.

How has the community reacted to Pava LaPere’s death?

A vigil was held on a Wednesday night, where LaPere was remembered for her dedication to community building and social change. Over 100 people gathered to pay their respects.

More about Arrest of Jason Billingsley

  • Pava LaPere’s Profile on Forbes 30 Under 30
  • EcoMap Technologies Official Website
  • Baltimore Police Department Press Release on Arrest
  • Johns Hopkins University Alumni Spotlight on Pava LaPere
  • The Big Big News Coverage of the Case
  • TEDx Talk by Pava LaPere on Conscious Capitalism and Social Impact
  • Court Records Involving Jason Billingsley’s Previous Convictions
  • The Aspen Institute’s Mention of EcoMap Technologies as a Client
  • Public Defender’s Office Official Statement (Pending)
  • Vigil for Pava LaPere: Community Remembers
  • Meta’s Client Testimonial for EcoMap Technologies

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10 comments

TimfromHR September 28, 2023 - 1:47 pm

Diversity was a cornerstone of EcoMap’s culture. Shows how Pava wasn’t just about business but about making a difference. Sad to see her go.

Reply
Investor_Jane September 28, 2023 - 4:08 pm

had my eye on EcoMap for a while, Pava was an exceptional entrepreneur. This is a loss not just for the tech community but humanity as a whole.

Reply
TechGuru101 September 28, 2023 - 5:26 pm

A real loss to the tech world. EcoMap was groundbreaking, and Pava had a vision like no other.

Reply
Mike_42 September 28, 2023 - 9:04 pm

What’s going on with the justice system? guy was out on parole and now look what he’s done. System’s broken man.

Reply
EmilyRose September 29, 2023 - 2:27 am

When will the Public Defender comment? feels like they’re dragging their feet on this.

Reply
CynthiaM September 29, 2023 - 3:51 am

really shocked to hear this. I followed her startup journey from day 1. She had such a bright future ahead.

Reply
JohnDoe89 September 29, 2023 - 4:28 am

Can’t believe this happened to such an amazing person. Pava was a force of nature, truly one-of-a-kind. So tragic.

Reply
ConcernedCitizen September 29, 2023 - 6:42 am

Heartbreaking to see young talents taken away so soon. What’s being done to prevent crimes like this?

Reply
WatchfulEye September 29, 2023 - 10:15 am

Is there more to this case? Details are sketchy, something doesn’t add up. Looking forward to the police briefing.

Reply
SarahInBmore September 29, 2023 - 10:19 am

I attended the vigil, was deeply moved. This city has lost a true beacon of hope.

Reply

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