Police found the dead body of 26-year-old tech CEO Pava LaPere Monday at around 11:34 a.m. in her Baltimore, Md., home. She had suffered from blunt force trauma.
Now, authorities are asking for the public’s help to track down her suspected killer, 32-year-old Jason Dean Billingsley, who is also connected to rape, arson and murder that took place Sept. 19. Metro Crime Stoppers are offering a $6,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and charges.
According to Forbes, which listed LaPere on its “30 Under 30” list this year under the “social impact” category, is a Johns Hopkins University graduate who leads a team or nearly 30 people at EcoMap Technologies. Her company services clients such as The Aspen Institute, Meta, the WXR Fund, and T.Rowe Price Foundation.
“The circumstances surrounding Pava’s death are deeply distressing, and our deepest condolences are with her family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly devastating time,” the company said in a Facebook post. “Pava was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader.”
“The Loyola University Maryland community is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Ecomap CEO, Pava LaPere,” said a statement from Wendy Bolger, founding director of the Simon Center on Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Loyola University Maryland. “Ms. LaPere served on the newly established advisory board for the Simon Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. She was a phenomenally accomplished CEO and innovator, and an inspiration and a friend to so many. She always led with values first, and was deeply committed to Baltimore, and the promises of technology and entrepreneurship for all.”
Baltimore Police Department Acting Commissioner Richard Worley city Mayor Brandon M. Scott and State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced Tuesday that an arrest warrant had been issued for Billingsley. He’s wanted for murder in the first degree for allegedly killing LaPere.
“Billingsley was previously arrested in 2013, 2011 and 2009 for multiple charges to include sex offense, second degree assault charges and robbery,” said authorities. As of Wednesday, multiple warrants had been issued for the suspect.
“Additionally, detectives are now reviewing all cases since October, 2022, to the present day in order to determine any other connections,” police said. “The BPD urges all members of the community to stay on alert. Billingsley is considered armed and dangerous. Please contact 911 immediately if you come in contact with this individual or have any further information.”
A vigil for LaPere was held Wednesday evening at the south steps of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon, near the Walters Art Museum.