Current:Home > NewsTech CEO Pava LaPere Found Dead at 26: Warrant Issued for Suspect's Arrest -Ascend Wealth Education
Tech CEO Pava LaPere Found Dead at 26: Warrant Issued for Suspect's Arrest
View
Date:2025-04-25 01:32:48
Authorities are on the hunt for a suspect in connection to the murder of Pava LaPere.
The 26-year-old, who served as CEO of EcoMap Technologies and was featured on this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list, was found dead in her Baltimore apartment with signs of blunt-force trauma on Sept. 25, police confirmed to NBC News.
During a press conference held the following day, authorities announced that they have issued an arrest warrant for Jason Dean Billingsley in connection to her case, stating that the 32-year-old is wanted for first-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment and additional charges.
"This individual will kill, and he will rape," Commissioner Richard Worley said during the press conference. "He will do anything he can to cause harm."
Worley also went on to issue a warning directly to the suspect.
"Every single police officer in Baltimore city and the state of Maryland, as well as the U.S. Marshalls are looking for you," he said. "We will find you, so I will ask you to turn yourself into any officer at a police station because we will take you into custody eventually."
Authorities also shared their belief that Billingsley is "probably armed and dangerous" at this time.
"We ask anyone who may have seen him, knows him or knows his whereabouts," Worley continued, "to contact police immediately by calling 911."
Billingsley was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended, after he pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offense in 2015, per NBC News, who cited court records. He had also pleaded guilty, according to the outlet, to first-degree assault in 2009 and second-degree assault in 2011.
Shortly after LaPere's passing, her company EcoMap Technologies reflected on their founder's legacy, noting that she "was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap, but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader."
"Her untiring commitment to our company, to Baltimore, to amplifying the critical work of ecosystems across the country," their Sept. 26 statement shared to Facebook read, "and to building a deeply inclusive culture as a leader, friend and partner set a standard for leadership, and her legacy will live on through the work we continue to do."
E! News has reached out to the Baltimore Police Department for additional updates on this case and has not heard back. NBC News was unable to reach Billingsley's public defender for comment.
(E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (14)
Related
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Psst, Reformation’s Winter Sale is Here and It’s Your last Chance to Snag Your Fave Pieces Up to 40% Off
- Catholic priest in small Nebraska community dies after being attacked in church
- Tom Brady and Irina Shayk Reunite During Art Basel Miami Beach
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Norman Lear's son-in-law, Dr. Jon LaPook, reflects on the legendary TV producer's final moments: He was one of my best friends
- A pregnant Texas woman asked a court for permission to get an abortion, despite a ban. What’s next?
- Should employers give workers housing benefits? Unions are increasingly fighting for them.
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Is Selena Gomez dating Benny Blanco? Singer calls producer 'my absolute everything'
Ranking
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- 'Wait Wait' for December 9, 2023: With Not My Job guest Fred Schneider
- A gigantic new ICBM will take US nuclear missiles out of the Cold War-era but add 21st-century risks
- Texas Supreme Court temporarily halts ruling allowing woman to have emergency abortion
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- High school students lift car to rescue woman, 2-year-old child in Utah: Watch video
- 3 Alabama officers fired in connection to fatal shooting of Black man at his home
- The inauguration of Javier Milei has Argentina wondering what kind of president it will get
Recommendation
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
Krys Marshall Reveals This Episode of For All Mankind Was the Hardest Yet
Bachelor Nation Status Check: Who's Still Continuing Their Journey After Bachelor in Paradise
Columbus Crew vs. Los Angeles FC MLS Cup 2023: Live stream, time, date, odds, how to watch
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
Smugglers are bringing migrants to a remote Arizona border crossing, overwhelming US agents
'Zombie deer' disease has been reported in more than half the US: What to know about CWD
Zimbabwe holds special elections after court rules to remove 9 opposition lawmakers from Parliament