New details revealed in murder of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere

New details have been revealed about the murder of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere following the arrest of the “extremely dangerous” suspect Jason Billingsley.

Court documents reveal that LaPere, 26, died of strangulation and blunt force trauma before her body was left on the roof of her apartment building on West Franklin Street in Baltimore for three days.

Sources told CNN that surveillance footage captured the suspect following LaPere from a distance on the street outside her building on Friday night.

After she entered the building, video from the lobby showed her noticing him appearing to fumble at the door – as though he had lost his keys. She then let him inside, CNN reported.

The body LaPere, the founder and CEO of EcoMaps Technologies who was featured on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list this year, was found on Monday.

Billingsley, 32, was named as the suspect in the killing and a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery.

He was taken into custody without incident on Wednesday night in Maryland.

He is also charged with a sexual assault and arson attack on 19 September.

Key points

• Suspect arrested after two days on run

• Baltimore police to hold press conference Thursday

• ‘30 Under 30’ tech CEO Pava LaPere found murdered in Baltimore apartment building

• Jason Billingsley also suspected in attempted murder one week earlier

Armed suspect on run after ‘30 Under 30’ tech CEO murdered in Baltimore apartment

Wednesday 27 September 2023 19:26 , Andrea Blanco

An “armed” and “extremely dangerous” suspect is on the run after a successful 26-year-old tech executive was found brutally murdered in her apartment in Baltimore.

Pava LaPere was the founder and CEO of EcoMaps Technologies, a custom platform builder for companies, and had featured on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list this year for her social impact on the industry.

On Monday, she was found dead from apparent signs of “blunt-force trauma” inside her apartment in the 300 block of West Franklin Street, police said.

Baltimore Police said that a missing persons call had been placed for the victim, leading officers to her home where she was found at around 11.34am that morning.

Jason Dean Billingsley, a 32-year-old with prior convictions for assault and sex offences, has been named as a suspect in her murder.

Read on:

Armed suspect on run after ‘30 Under 30’ CEO murdered in Baltimore apartment

Suspect in Pava LaPere’s murder is repeat sex offender who ‘should have never been released’

Wednesday 27 September 2023 21:05 , Andrea Blanco

A manhunt is underway for Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, after he was linked to the murder of 26-year-old Pava LaPere, the founder and CEO of EcoMaps Technologies. LaPere’s partially clothed body was found with evident signs of blunt force trauma on the roof of her apartment building on Monday, The Baltimore Banner reports.

Billingsley, who is considered “armed” and “dangerous,” is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery. Baltimore police revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that the suspect is a convicted sex offender with a lengthy criminal history.

Billingsley was released on parole last year following a 2015 conviction on a first-degree sex offence. Mayor Brandon Scott, who knew LaPere through her work as an entrepreneur, criticised the early release, saying it should have never happened.

Read more:

Convicted sex offender named suspect in Pava LaPere’s murder

Who is suspect Jason Billingsley?

Wednesday 27 September 2023 23:07 , Andrea Blanco

Jason Dean Billingsley, a 32-year-old with prior convictions for assault and sex offences, has been named as a suspect in the tech exec’s murder.

He is now wanted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery

Billingsley has previous arrests in 2013, 2011 and 2009 on multiple charges including sex offences, second-degree assault and robbery.

He pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in 2009 and second-degree assault in 2011, court records show.

In 2015, Mr Billingsley was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended, after he pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offence, according to court records.

‘She was a force to be reckoned with’

Thursday 28 September 2023 00:30 , Andrea Blanco

As Baltimore police and the US Marshal’s Service hunt for Billingsley, who is considered “armed and dangerous,” an entire community continues to grapple with LaPere’s death. Karina Mandell, a friend and colleague of LaPere, told The Independent on Wednesday that the tragic loss will have ripple effects in the city that LaPere breathed and loved and worked every day to improve.

“She was a force to be reckoned with. She wanted things to be better, it wasn’t just complaining, she wanted to improve things and challenge the status quo and was unapologetic about it because it was for the right reasons,” Ms Mandell, an entrepreneur herself, said about her friend.

LaPere, originally from Arizona, stayed in Baltimore after graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 2019 with a degree in arts and sociology. She launched her startup, a custom platform builder for companies, from her dorm and went on to build it from the ground up.

Who was Pava LaPere?

Thursday 28 September 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Mayor Scott described LaPere as a talented and motivated Baltimorian who always went out of her way to help others.

“It’s really difficult to express the sorrow that I have standing before you today,” he said. “Pava was ... someone I had the opportunity to get to know over the last few years and she would help anyone that she could. And to have that life cut short by someone who has no care about anything but causing harm to people is something that should sit deep in the stomach of all Baltimorians tonight.”

LaPere graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a dual bachelor’s degree in arts and sociology and entrepreneurship and management. She founded her company when she was still at university.

EcoMaps Technologies, according to its website, is a custom platform builder for companies. Forbes reported on LaPere’s “30 under 30” feature that the company with a team of nearly 30 employees had raised over $4m and had big-name clients including Meta and the T.Rowe Price Foundation.

WATCH: Police search for suspect in murder of Baltimore tech CEO

Thursday 28 September 2023 03:30 , Andrea Blanco

The life of a thriving CEO who was featured in Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list for 2023 was cut short under mysterious circumstances.

Baltimore authorities are now hunting for her killer.

Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, is now wanted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery.

It is not clear what connection – if any – the victim and suspect may have to each other.

Jason Billingsley’s lenghty criminal history

Thursday 28 September 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Billingsley was previously arrested in 2009, 2011 and 2013 on multiple charges including sex offences, second-degree assault and robbery.

He pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in 2009 and was given two years of supervised probation. He violated the terms of his parole and was convicted of second-degree assault in 2011, court records show.

Billingsley served two years over the 2011 conviction and just months after being released in 2013, he was arrested again on attempted rape charges

In 2015, Mr Billingsley was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended and five years of supervised probation, after he pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offence. He was released from prison last October on “good-time” credits under former District Attorney Marilyn Mosby, the Baltimore Banner reported.

According to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, inmates convicted of a violent crime are awarded good conduct credits at the rate of five days per month served.

Jason Billingsley’s mother begs him to turn himself in for murder of Baltimore tech CEO

Thursday 28 September 2023 06:30 , Andrea Blanco

Billingsley, who is considered “armed” and “dangerous,” faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery.

Now, his mother has issued a desperate plea for him to turn himself in.

“I told him to turn himself in because they’re going to kill him,” 72-year-old Scarlett Billingsley told NBC. “I don’t want police to shoot him because they think he has a gun.”

Read more:

Mother of suspect in Baltimore tech CEO’s murder begs him to surrender

Police confirm Billingsley linked to attempted murder days before LaPere’s body was found

Thursday 28 September 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Baltimore police confirmed on Wednesday that Jason Billingsley has also been linked to an attempted murder, arson and rape on 19 September in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue — just a 15-minute walk from Pava LaPere’s building.

A $6,000 reward is being offered for information regarding Billingsley’s whereabouts.

“Additionally, detectives are now reviewing all cases since [his release in] October, 2022, to the present day in order to determine any other connections,” the department told The Independent in a statement.

BREAKING: Jason Billingsley arrested for tech exec's murder

Thursday 28 September 2023 08:18 , Rachel Sharp

The convicted sex offender wanted on suspicion of the murder of a “30 Under 30” tech executive has been arrested after two days on the run, according to multiple reports.

Sources confirmed to local outlets CBS Baltmore and Fox45 News that Jason Billingsley, 32, had been taken into custody on Wednesday night for the brutal murder of Pava LaPere.

The 32-year-old accused killer – who is also suspected of an attempted murder just one week earlier – was captured just after 11.10pm at the MARC train station on Laurel-Bowie Road in Bowie, Maryland, Fox45 reported.

Baltimore Police have also revealed plans to hold a press conference to “announce arrest of murder suspect Jason Billingsley” at 11am ET on Thursday, local outlet WBAL-TV reported.

Billingsley was named as the prime suspect in the murder of 26-year-old LaPere after her partially clothed body was found with evident signs of blunt force trauma on the roof of her apartment building on Monday.

FULL STORY: Suspect wanted for murder of ‘30 Under 30’ Baltimore tech CEO arrested after two days on run

Thursday 28 September 2023 08:50 , Rachel Sharp

The convicted sex offender wanted on suspicion of the murder of a “30 Under 30” tech executive has been arrested after two days on the run, according to multiple reports.

Sources confirmed to local outlets CBS Baltimore and Fox45News that Jason Billingsley, 32, was taken into custody on Wednesday night in connection to the brutal murder of Pava LaPere.

The 32-year-old accused killer – who is also suspected of an attempted murder just one week prior to LaPere’s violent death – was captured just after 11.10pm at the MARC train station on Laurel-Bowie Road in Bowie, Maryland, Fox45 reported.

Read the full story here:

Suspect wanted for murder of ‘30 Under 30’ Baltimore tech CEO arrested

What we know about suspect in murder of tech CEO

Thursday 28 September 2023 09:20 , Andrea Blanco

A convicted sex offender sought in the brutal murder of a Baltimore tech CEO is also suspected of an attempted murder just a week earlier.

A manhunt is underway for Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, after he was linked to the murder of 26-year-old Pava LaPere, the founder and CEO of EcoMaps Technologies. LaPere’s partially clothed body was found with evident signs of blunt force trauma on the roof of her apartment building on Monday, The Baltimore Banner reports.

Billingsley was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery. Baltimore police revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that the suspect is a convicted sex offender with a lengthy criminal history.

A pioneering tech CEO, brutal murder and missing suspect: What happened to Pava LaPere?

Thursday 28 September 2023 09:50 , Andrea Blanco

At just 26 years old, Pava LaPere had accomplished her lifelong dream of becoming her own boss.

It came with arduous effort, but years after launching her thriving software company from her dorm at Johns Hopkins University, the young entrepreneur was featured on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list for the social impact she was making on the industry.

Months after landing on the prestigious list, LaPere made international headlines as she was found dead at her apartment in Baltimore on 25 September.

Jason Dean Billingsley, a 32-year-old repeat offender who was released on parole following violent sex convictions, has been named as a suspect in her murder.

Billingsley was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery.

The Independent reports:

A shining tech CEO, brutal murder and missing suspect: What happened to Pava LaPere?

Tech CEO killed in Baltimore remembered as dedicated, compassionate entrepreneur

Thursday 28 September 2023 10:20 , Andrea Blanco

Loved ones are remembering a slain Baltimore tech entrepreneur as a young woman who built a successful tech startup that earned her national recognition and local political clout while remaining focused on what motivated her from the beginning: forging connections, building community and using entrepreneurship to create meaningful social change.

The 26-year-old was found dead Monday after being reported missing. She had died from from blunt force trauma following what police believe was a random attack at her apartment complex.

Police announced a suspect in the case Tuesday evening, saying local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are searching for Jason Billingsley, 32, who was paroled last October in an earlier sex assault case. In an update Wednesday afternoon, police said Billingsley is also suspected in a rape, attempted murder and arson that occurred Sept. 19 in Baltimore.

WATCH: What we know about suspect in murder of tech CEO

Thursday 28 September 2023 10:50 , Rachel Sharp

Jason Billingsley also suspected in attempted murder one week earlier

Thursday 28 September 2023 11:30 , Rachel Sharp

On Wednesday, it emerged that he was also suspected of carrying out a separate violent attack just one week before LaPere’s murder.

Police said that Billingsley had been linked to an attempted murder, arson and rape on 19 September in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue – just a 15-minute walk from LaPere’s building.

“Additionally, detectives are now reviewing all cases since [his release in] October, 2022, to the present day in order to determine any other connections,” the department told The Independent in a statement.

Billingsley had been released on parole in October 2022 following a conviction on a first-degree sex offence.

Slain tech CEO Pava LaPere’s friend mourns ‘force to be reckoned with’

Thursday 28 September 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco

As Baltimore police and the US Marshal’s Service hunt for Billingsley, who is considered “armed and dangerous,” an entire community continues to grapple with LaPere’s death.

Karina Mandell, a friend and colleague of LaPere, told The Independent on Wednesday that the tragic loss will have ripple effects in the city that LaPere breathed and loved and worked every day to improve.

Read more:

Slain tech CEO Pava LaPere’s friend mourns ‘force to be reckoned with’

Baltimore police to hold press conference Thursday

Thursday 28 September 2023 12:30 , Rachel Sharp

$6,000 offered for information regarding Billingsley’s whereabouts

Thursday 28 September 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Jason Billingsley, who is considered “armed” and “dangerous,” is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery.

Baltimore police revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that the suspect is a convicted sex offender with a lengthy criminal history.

Baltimore police confirmed on Wednesday that Billingsley has also been linked to an attempted murder, arson and rape on 19 September in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue — just a 15-minute walk from LaPere’s building. A $6,000 reward is being offered for information regarding Billingsley’s whereabouts.

“Additionally, detectives are now reviewing all cases since [his release in] October, 2022, to the present day in order to determine any other connections,” the department told The Independent in a statement.

Vigil held for slain ‘30 Under 30’ exec

Thursday 28 September 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp

‘She had a knack for helping others,’ LaPere’s friend says

Thursday 28 September 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco

LaPere, originally from Arizona, stayed in Baltimore after graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 2019 with a degree in arts and sociology. She launched her startup, a custom platform builder for companies, from her dorm and went on to build it from the ground up.

Earlier this year, LaPere was featured on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list for her social impact on the industry. EcoMaps Technologies, which currently has a team of nearly 30 employees, has raised $5m and boasts big-name clients including Meta and the T.Rowe Price Foundation.

“She had this knack for finding what was messing with us and wanting opportunities for everyone,” Karina Mandell told The Independent about he rslain friend. “No matter where you came from, no matter what college you went to, to make sure that you knew the opportunities that were available to you and to democratize that access for everybody.”

Suspect wanted for murder of ‘30 Under 30’ Baltimore tech CEO arrested after two days on run

Thursday 28 September 2023 14:48 , Andrea Blanco

The convicted sex offender wanted on suspicion of the murder of a “30 Under 30” tech executive has been arrested after two days on the run, according to multiple reports.

Sources confirmed to local outlets CBS Baltimore and Fox45News that Jason Billingsley, 32, was taken into custody on Wednesday night in connection to the brutal murder of Pava LaPere.

Read more:

Suspect wanted for murder of ‘30 Under 30’ Baltimore tech CEO arrested

Jason Billingsley’s lenghty criminal history

Thursday 28 September 2023 16:03 , Andrea Blanco

Billingsley was previously arrested in 2009, 2011 and 2013 on multiple charges including sex offences, second-degree assault and robbery.

He pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in 2009 and was given two years of supervised probation. He violated the terms of his parole and was convicted of second-degree assault in 2011, court records show.

Billingsley served two years over the 2011 conviction and just months after being released in 2013, he was arrested again on attempted rape charges

In 2015, Mr Billingsley was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended and five years of supervised probation, after he pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offence. He was released from prison last October on “good-time” credits, the Baltimore Banner reported.

According to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, inmates convicted of a violent crime are awarded good conduct credits at the rate of five days per month served.

Billingsley arrested by Baltimore PD and US Marshalls

Thursday 28 September 2023 16:16 , Andrea Blanco

Jason Dean Billingsley was taken into custody at around 11pm last night. US Marshalls, Baltimore police and several other agencies participated in the arrest.

“I know this arrest doesn’t take away Pava Lapere,” Commissioner Worley said. “But my wish is that we can give the family and community a sense of closure. We’re going to put this repeat in jail, where it belongs.”

Mr Worley said that the 19 September incident was targeted.

Billingsley reportedly worked at the building where the attack took place and knew the victims.

Suspect was almost caught on Tuesday, police say

Thursday 28 September 2023 16:19 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement was within 88 meters of the suspect on Tuesday but he managed to elude authorities.

There were no signs of forced entry at LaPere’s apartment and police are still trying to determine whether there was any connection between her and Billingsley.

Mayor Brandon Scott says he informed Pava LaPere’s family of arrest

Thursday 28 September 2023 16:24 , Andrea Blanco

“I had the opportunity to speak with Pava’s family last night to deliver the news of his arrest,” Mayor Brandon Scott said.

“We are going to continue to ask everyone to send their love to her family and our city and community.”

DA will seek life without parole

Thursday 28 September 2023 16:30 , Andrea Blanco

Baltimore District Attorney Ivan Bates said that two of his most experienced prosecutors will work the case.

The DA said his office intends to seek a life sentence without the possibility of parole for Billingsley.

“My hope and goal is that if this individual is found guilty in a court of law, that this individual never gets out to see the light of day again and to ever hurt the individuals of this fine city,” Mr Bates says

Police respond to criticism over handling of case

Thursday 28 September 2023 16:40 , Andrea Blanco

Commissioner Worley said that a warrant for Billingsley’s arrest was issued on 20 September after a sexual and arson attack on 19 September.

Responding to why a plea for information was not put out until LaPere’s murder, Mr Worley said: “The incident on Edmonson Avenue [on 19 September] was not a random act.

“Had it been a random act, we would have put out flyers right away saying this individual was on the loose committing random acts.

“We pretty much know why he went into that house [on 19 September]. He was familiar with the building ... I’m not going to say more because I don’t want to talk badly about victims.

“We didn’t think at that point that he was committing random acts because we know he had been out since October 2022 and he wasn’t linked to any violent incidents.

“If we would have known that he was going to go and kill someone ... the flyer would have come out after we got the arrest warrant on September 20.”

LaPere was likely murdered on Friday night, police say

Thursday 28 September 2023 17:07 , Andrea Blanco

Baltimore police have revealed that the body of slain tech CEO Pava LaPere went undiscovered for three days after she was murdered.

Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, was taken into custody at around 11pm last night in connection with the murder of LaPere, the founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies. US Marshalls, Baltimore police and several other agencies participated in the arrest, authorities said at a press conference on Thursday.

“But my wish is that we can give the family and community a sense of closure. We’re going to put this repeat in jail, where it belongs,” Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley said.

Mr Richard said that LaPere was likely murdered on Friday night, and her body was only discovered on Monday.

Baltimore PD released new mugshot

Thursday 28 September 2023 17:44 , Andrea Blanco

Tech CEO Pava LaPere’s body went undiscovered for three days after murder

Thursday 28 September 2023 18:26 , Andrea Blanco

Baltimore police have revealed that the body of slain tech CEO Pava LaPere went undiscovered for three days after she was murdered.

Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, was taken into custody without incident at around 11pm last night at a train station in Bowie, Prince County. US Marshalls, Baltimore police, Maryland State Police, ATF and DC Metro Police participated in the arrest, authorities said at a press conference on Thursday.

“But my wish is that we can give the family and community a sense of closure. We’re going to put this violent repeat criminal offender in jail, where he belongs,” Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley said. “Let’s work together and make sure he stays there.”

Read more:

Pava LaPere’s body went undiscovered for three days after murder

Family thank police for Billingsley’s arrest

Thursday 28 September 2023 19:16 , Andrea Blanco

LaPere’s family thanked law enforcement for their “tireless efforts” in capturing Billingsley.

“We’re relieved to know he can no longer hurt other innocent victims,” the family said in a statement. “While this doesn’t change that Baltimore lost one of its most passionate, influential fans, our efforts remain focused on remembering and celebrating Pava Marie — her life, successes, and legacy.”

Police push back against criticism over handling of investigation

Thursday 28 September 2023 19:46 , Andrea Blanco

Billingsley is facing charges of first-degree murder, second-degree assault, sex offence and robbery in LaPere’s death. He was also linked to a sexual assault and arson attack on 19 September that left a woman in critical condition, an adult man injured and a child hospitalised for smoke inhalation.

The arson incident took place on the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue — just a 15-minute walk from LaPere’s building, where her body was found on 25 September. Commissioner Worley said that Billingsley worked at the building where the 19 September victims resided and knew them.

A warrant for Billingsley’s arrest was issued on 20 September, but a safety advisory was not issued by law enforcement. The commissioner pushed back against criticism over the handling of the investigation and his department’s failure to alert the community of a potential threat with Billingsley on the loose.

“We pretty much know why he went into that house [on 19 September]. He was familiar with the building,” he said. “We didn’t think at that point that he was committing random acts because we know he had been out since October 2022 and he wasn’t linked to any violent incidents.”

Baltimore police accused of haunting mistake in Pava LaPere’s murder

Thursday 28 September 2023 21:16 , Andrea Blanco

Baltimore police have pushed against criticism over their handling of the investigation into tech CEO Pava LaPere’s murder — after revealing that her alleged killer had already been identified as a suspect in another attack several days before her body was found.

US Marshalls and local and state police arrested Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, without incident on Wednesday night for the murder of LaPere. Authorities said during a press conference on Thursday that Billingsley was surrounded by a SWAT team at a train station in Bowie, Prince George’s County.

It was revealed that LaPere was likely murdered on 22 September, but her body was not found until three days later. Sources previously told The Baltimore Banner that she had been found with evident signs of blunt force trauma on the roof of her apartment building.

Read more:

FLOW

‘She was a girl boss,’ Pava LaPere’s grieving father says

Thursday 28 September 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

Pava LaPere’s father Frank LaPere paid tribute to his slain daughter during a vigil on Wednesday.

Dozens of people attended the vigil for the tech CEO at Mount Vernon’s Washington Monument.

“She was the definition of daddy’s little girl. She had me wrapped, and still does. She turned from being daddy’s little girl into being a girl boss, and she treated me the same way,” Mr LaPere said while choking back tears.

WATCH: Baltimore manhunt ends with murder suspect in custody

Friday 29 September 2023 00:30 , Andrea Blanco

Jason Dean Billingsley, a 32-year-old repeat offender who was released following previous violent sex convictions, was named as a suspect in her murder.

A two-day manhunt for Billingsley came to an end on 27 September after he was apprehended by US Marshals, and local and state police.

Before arrest, Jason Billingsley’s mother had him to turn himself

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

“I told him to turn himself in because they’re going to kill him,” 72-year-old Scarlett Billingsley told NBC before her son was arrested on Thursday. “I don’t want police to shoot him because they think he has a gun.”

Ms Billingsley said she last saw her convicted rapist son on Monday when he visited her home. Billingsley reportedly showed her a weapon but said that he was looking to sell it, his mother said.

Ms Billingsley apologised to LaPere’s family, adding that she did not believe her son and the slain tech CEO knew each other. She was concerned that her only surviving son could be killed by authorities after she lost a child to gun violence in 2013.

“I don’t even know how he met that girl, where he met that girl, or how he got into her apartment,” Ms Billingsley said. “I am so sorry for what that mother is going through ... I’m very sorry if he did it.

“I won’t know until I see some evidence if he did it. Where is the truth at — show me some evidence.”

Billingsley was arrested without incident on Thursday.

Pava LaPere was featured on Forbes’ '30 under 30’ list for social impact

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

LaPere believed in conscious capitalism, an ethical approach to business that’s become more popular in recent years, and she prioritized diverse hiring practices.

Earlier this year, she was named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 list for social impact.

She recently posted on Instagram about growing EcoMap to a staff of 30 people and opening its offices in downtown Baltimore, the city she embraced after growing up in Arizona.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said he had the privilege of getting to know LaPere over the past few years.

He praised her generosity, ingenuity and dedication to Baltimore. Scott and other leaders promised an all-out manhunt for the suspect, saying justice will be served.

Pava LaPere’s family issues statement following tech CEO’s murder

05:30 , Andrea Blanco

LaPere’s family thanked law enforcement for their “tireless efforts” in capturing Billingsley.

“We’re relieved to know he can no longer hurt other innocent victims,” the family said in a statement. “While this doesn’t change that Baltimore lost one of its most passionate, influential fans, our efforts remain focused on remembering and celebrating Pava Marie — her life, successes, and legacy.”

Tech CEO killed in Baltimore remembered as dedicated, compassionate entrepreneur

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

Loved ones have remembered a slain Baltimore tech entrepreneur as a young woman who built a successful tech startup that earned her national recognition and local political clout while remaining focused on what motivated her from the beginning: forging connections, building community and using entrepreneurship to create meaningful social change.

Now, her friends and family members are left trying to reconcile how she lived with how she died.

“She was so the antithesis of what happened to her,” her close friend Karina Mandell told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday morning. “That polarity, that’s what makes it so shocking.”

WATCH: Man suspected of killing Baltimore tech CEO arrested: po

08:30 , Andrea Blanco

Slain tech CEO Pava LaPere’s friend mourns ‘force to be reckoned with’

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Karina Mandell, a friend and colleague of LaPere, told The Independent on Wednesday that the tragic loss will have ripple effects in the city that LaPere breathed and loved and worked every day to improve.

“She was a force to be reckoned with. She wanted things to be better, it wasn’t just complaining, she wanted to improve things and challenge the status quo and was unapologetic about it because it was for the right reasons,” Ms Mandell, an entrepreneur herself, said about her friend.

LaPere, who is originally from Arizona, stayed in Baltimore after graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 2019 with a degree in arts and sociology. She launched her startup, a custom platform builder for companies, from her dorm and went on to build it from the ground up.

Earlier this year, LaPere was featured on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list for her social impact on the industry. EcoMaps Technologies, which currently has a team of nearly 30 employees, has raised $5m and boasts big-name clients including Meta and the T.Rowe Price Foundation.

“She had this knack for finding what was messing with us and wanting opportunities for everyone,” Ms Mandell added. “No matter where you came from, no matter what college you went to, to make sure that you knew the opportunities that were available to you and to democratise that access for everybody.”

Billingsley had been released on diminution credits, DA says

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

He pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in 2009 and was given two years of supervised probation. He violated the terms of his parole and was convicted of second-degree assault in 2011, court records show.

Billingsley served two years over the 2011 conviction and just months after being released in 2013, he was arrested again on attempted rape charges

Billingsley was released in October 2022, something that “should have never have happened,” Mayor Brandon Scott said at the press conference.

“There is no way in hell that he should have been out on the street,” Mr Scott said. “When the police go out and do their job, as they did in this case ... and the state’s attorney goes out and does their work, gets the conviction, the conviction should be the conviction.”

The sentence, which was struck under the previous administration, was below guideline standards, Baltimore District Attorney Ivan Bates said on 28 September. Mr Bates said that Billingsley was set to serve 14 years but then went on to earn diminution credits, per Maryland sentencing guidelines.

“We give almost 30 days of good time for almost every month that you’re in custody and you’re not messing up,” Mr Bates said. “Therefore he didn’t need parole, he did a little less than the third of his sentence and that’s what the law allows. So when you look at it, it’s more of a systemic failure.”

Tech CEO Pava LaPere’s body went undiscovered for three days after murder

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

Baltimore police have revealed that the body of slain tech CEO Pava LaPere went undiscovered for three days after she was murdered.

Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, was taken into custody without incident at around 11pm last night at a train station in Bowie, Prince County. US Marshalls, Baltimore police, Maryland State Police, ATF and DC Metro Police participated in the arrest, authorities said at a press conference on Thursday.

“But my wish is that we can give the family and community a sense of closure. We’re going to put this violent repeat criminal offender in jail, where he belongs,” Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley said. “Let’s work together and make sure he stays there.”

Read more:

Pava LaPere’s body went undiscovered for three days after murder

Pava LaPere’s cause of death revealed

12:30 , Rachel Sharp

New details have been revealed about the murder of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere following the arrest of the “extremely dangerous” suspect Jason Billingsley.

Court documents reveal that LaPere, 26, died of strangulation and blunt force trauma before her body was left on the roof of her apartment building on West Franklin Street in Baltimore for three days.

LaPere’s body was found on Monday.

Who was Pava LaPere?

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

LaPere, originally from Arizona, stayed in Baltimore after graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 2019 with a degree in arts and sociology. She launched her startup, a custom platform builder for companies, from her dorm and went on to build it from the ground up.

“She had this knack for finding what was messing with us and wanting opportunities for everyone,” Ms Mandell added. “No matter where you came from, no matter what college you went to, to make sure that you knew the opportunities that were available to you and to democratize that access for everybody.”

Mayor Scott described LaPere as a talented and motivated Baltimorian who always went out of her way to help others.

“It’s really difficult to express the sorrow that I have standing before you today,” he said. “Pava was ... someone I had the opportunity to get to know over the last few years and she would help anyone that she could. And to have that life cut short by someone who has no care about anything but causing harm to people is something that should sit deep in the stomach of all Baltimorians tonight.”

Ms Mandell echoed those feelings, describing LaPere as the “Silicon Valley type-of-person” who would get up at 5.30am every morning to think about ways to help improve her city.

“Her apartment was literally above her office,” Ms Mandell told The Independent. “She wanted to help other students, other entrepreneurs, to keep funding, to prototype ideas because, you know, who knows who will build the next pacemaker, the next rocket or the next Uber.”

She added: “She was doing good things for a lot of good people and hiring within the city and growing her team. We need to move that commitment to honour her legacy.”

Surveillance video reveals suspect following murdered tech CEO Pava LaPere home

13:30 , Rachel Sharp

Sources told CNN that surveillance footage captured the suspect following LaPere from a distance on the street outside her building on Friday night.

After she entered the building, video from the lobby showed her noticing him appearing to fumble at the door – as though he had lost his keys.

She then let him inside and the two entered the elevator at the same time, CNN reported.

LaPere’s body was found on Monday on the rooftop of the building.

Baltimore police accused of haunting mistake in Pava LaPere’s murder

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Baltimore police have pushed against criticism over their handling of the investigation into tech CEO Pava LaPere’s murder — after revealing that her alleged killer had already been identified as a suspect in another attack several days before her body was found.

US Marshalls and local and state police arrested Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, without incident on Wednesday night for the murder of LaPere. Authorities said during a press conference on Thursday that Billingsley was surrounded by a SWAT team at a train station in Bowie, Prince George’s County.

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Baltimore police accused of haunting mistake in Pava LaPere’s murder