BALTIMORE, MD – A manhunt is underway for a suspect in the brutal killing of a 26-year-old tech entrepreneur in Baltimore. Pava LaPere, the founder of EcoMap Technologies, was discovered dead in an apartment complex on West Franklin Street on Monday, according to a statement from the Baltimore Police Department. The cause of death was reported as “blunt-force trauma wounds.”
The police issued a warrant for the arrest of Jason Dean Billingsley, a 32-year-old Baltimore resident, in connection with LaPere’s murder. Billingsley, who has a previous conviction for a sex offense in 2015, is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and other offenses. Baltimore Commissioner Richard Worley warned the public that Billingsley is considered “armed and dangerous.”
During a press conference, Commissioner Worley urged anyone with information about Billingsley’s location to contact the authorities immediately. He also had a stern message for the suspect, stating that law enforcement officers across Baltimore, Maryland, and the U.S. Marshals are actively searching for him.
The location where LaPere was found has not been disclosed by the authorities, but Commissioner Worley noted that it was a secure building, implying that someone would have had to let the suspect in. A missing person’s report had been filed just hours before LaPere’s body was discovered.
LaPere, who was identified as the victim on Tuesday, was the CEO and founder of EcoMap Technologies. The company expressed its shock and sadness at the tragic loss of their leader in a statement, describing LaPere as a “visionary force” and a “deeply compassionate and dedicated leader.” EcoMap Technologies, which recently raised $3.5 million in seed funding, develops platforms to help individuals navigate business communities, industries, and institutional networks.
LaPere, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 this year. She also served on the advisory board for the Simon Center on Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Loyola University Maryland.