Current:Home > MyTech CEO Pava LaPere Found Dead at 26: Warrant Issued for Suspect's Arrest -ThriveEdge Finance
Tech CEO Pava LaPere Found Dead at 26: Warrant Issued for Suspect's Arrest
View
Date:2025-04-15 07:59:32
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! (6)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Turkey's President Erdogan wins runoff election, set to remain in power until 2028
- Why Kelly Clarkson Is Nervous on a Personal Level to Release Album After Brandon Blackstock Divorce
- Microsoft president Brad Smith on real concern about Chinese malware targeting critical infrastructure
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Lala Kent Shares Details on Explosive Vanderpump Rules Reunion Taping
- Grateful Ryan Seacrest Admits He's Looking Forward to Live With Kelly and Ryan Departure
- Demi Lovato Says They “Couldn’t Be More in Love” With “Sexy” Boyfriend Jutes
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Prince Harry Slams Royal Institution for Allegedly Withholding Information From Him on Phone Hacking
Ranking
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Kim Zolciak-Biermann Returns in Epic Season 15 Trailer
- Doja Cat Claps Back Over Plastic Surgery Confessions
- Bear blamed for Italy runner's death in Alps gets reprieve from being euthanized for now
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- The Fate of The Night Agent Revealed
- Missing 73 years, Medal of Honor recipient's remains returned to Georgia: He's home
- RHONJ's Jennifer Aydin Reveals If She's Ever Considered Divorce Amid Marriage Problems
Recommendation
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
For the first time, more money is going into solar power than oil
Scientists discover about 5,000 new species in planned mining zone of Pacific Ocean
Natalie Portman Shares How She Talks to Her Kids About Injustice
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Here's the Truth About Raquel Leviss Visiting Tom Sandoval's Home
Here's What Gwyneth Paltrow Said to Man Who Sued Her After Ski Crash Verdict Was Revealed
Why Up Fans Are Heated Over New Pixar Short Carl’s Date