BALTIMORE, MD – A shocking crime has rocked the city of Baltimore as Pava Marie LaPere, a 26-year-old CEO of a technology firm, was found dead in her apartment on Monday. The young entrepreneur, who was a recipient of the Forbes 30 Under 30 award in 2023, was allegedly killed by 32-year-old Jason Dean Billingsley, according to Baltimore police.
LaPere, the CEO of EcoMap Technologies, was discovered at 11:34 a.m. in an apartment complex on West Franklin Street. The cause of death was determined to be blunt-force trauma. Prior to the police’s arrival, a missing person’s report had been filed for LaPere. The homicide detectives are currently investigating her death.
Billingsley, the prime suspect, has a criminal history dating back to 2009. Despite being sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2015 for a first-degree forcible sex offense, he was released on parole in October 2022. The reasons for his release were not clarified by the officials. Billingsley, who was also convicted of first-degree assault and violation of probation in 2009, is currently at large.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Baltimore’s Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley warned the public about Billingsley, stating that he is capable of killing and causing harm. Mayor Brandon Scott expressed his frustration over Billingsley’s release, emphasizing the need for accountability in the justice system.
LaPere’s company, EcoMap Technologies, expressed their grief over her death, praising her as a visionary leader and expressing their commitment to continue her legacy. The circumstances surrounding LaPere’s death have left the community deeply distressed.