Who is Jason Billingsley? Baltimore man accused of killing Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO Pava LaPere at her home
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Jason Billingsley, a man with a past criminal record is accused of the murder of young CEO Pava LaPere.
As per Baltimore police, he is wanted for first-degree murder of the 26-year-old at her residence. The officials further warned that the accused is likely to be armed and should be considered dangerous.
“Billingsley was previously arrested in 2013, 2011, and 2009 for multiple charges to include sex offense, 2nd-degree assault charges, and robbery,” police said in a statement.
“BPD’s Special Investigations Section is working to determine potential connections to Billingsley and other cases,” the statement further read.
Who was Pava LaPere?
Tech CEO Pava LaPere was found dead in her apartment from a blunt force trauma. The investigation into her murder is now being taken by homicide detectives.
The 26-year-old was listed in Forbes, this year under the Social Impact category of their 30 Under 30. She was the co-founder of EcoMap Technologies.
What kind of organization did Pava LaPere run?
As per Forbes, LaPere’s EcoMap Technologies was described as, “EcoMap curates data about all the organizations, resources, and other assets within any ecosystem– from a city’s tech community to an entire industry– and puts that information into free platforms that enable users to navigate them,” as per Law&Crime.
“With over $4 million raised and a team of nearly 30, the Johns Hopkins grad runs a company whose clients include The Aspen Institute, Meta, the WXR Fund, and T Rowe Price Foundation,” the report further reads.
“The Medical Examiner’s Office responded and took possession of the victim’s body. Next of kin notification will be made by detectives. Preliminary investigation revealed that a missing person’s call had been dispatched a short time prior,” the Baltimore Police Department said.
The authorities have asked anyone with information to call 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
EcoMap Technologies released a statement that read, “With profound sadness and shock, EcoMap announces the tragic and untimely passing of our beloved Founder and CEO, Pava LaPere.”
“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 statement further read.
While praising their late founder, the organization further said, "Pava 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, 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,” concluded the statement.