Pava LaPere
Born1996 or 1997
Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
Died(2023-09-22)September 22, 2023 (aged 26)[1]
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Cause of deathStrangulation and blunt force trauma
Alma materJohns Hopkins University
OccupationBusinesswoman
Years active2018–2023

Pava Marie LaPere (1996 or 1997 – September 22, 2023) was an American businesswoman who was the founder and CEO of the tech startup EcoMap Technologies. She was killed on September 22, 2023.[1]

Early life and career

LaPere grew up in Tucson. She graduated from Catalina Foothills High School in 2015, and from Johns Hopkins University in 2019.[2] She initially studied computer science for three years before switching to sociology; she said that she wanted to use entrepreneurship to improve societal inequalities.[3]

LaPere started Innov8MD, a non-profit for supporting student entrepreneurs in Maryland.[2] In 2018, LaPere and Sherrod Davis founded EcoMap Technologies when LaPere was 21.[2][1][4] The company sells artificial intelligence tools aimed at making clients' information more accessible and customer communications more seamless.[4] In 2023, LaPere was included on Forbes's 30 Under 30 list in the social impact category.[5][4]

Killing

Per Baltimore Police, on September 22, 2023, LaPere allowed Jason Billingsley access to her apartment building; he was seen getting on an elevator with LaPere. Within an hour, Billingsley was filmed wiping his hands on his shorts and hastily leaving the building. On September 25, 2023, LaPere was found dead from strangulation and blunt force trauma on the rooftop of her apartment building.[6][7] Following a days-long manhunt, Billingsley was arrested on September 27.[8] He was charged with first-degree murder, assault and using a brick as a dangerous weapon.[6]

Suspect

Jason Billingsley (born 1990 or 1991[9]) is a convicted sex offender.[10][6] He pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in 2009 and second-degree assault in 2011.[11][10]

In 2013, Billingsley was arrested and charged with rape following allegations that he had forced a woman to perform oral sex on him at knifepoint.[12] In 2015, Billingsley pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offense and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Under a plea agreement, 16 years of his sentence were suspended.[11][13] Billingsley was released from prison early in October 2022 under Maryland's diminution credit system, which allows inmates to reduce their sentences through things such as good behavior and taking educational courses.[13]

Billingsley is a suspect in another rape, attempted murder and arson case that occurred on September 19.[10][6] Police believe that LaPere may not have known Billingsley.[10]

Reactions

On September 26, EcoMap Technologies issued a statement: "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."[14]

Following Billingsley's arrest, LaPere's family said, "We appreciate the tireless efforts of the Baltimore Police Department, and their law enforcement partners, throughout the course of this investigation and apprehension of the suspect. We're relieved to know he can no longer hurt other innocent victims. 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."[7]

Billingsley's mother expressed condolences for his victims and their families.[15]

Memorial services for LaPere were held at Johns Hopkins University in December 2023, where university President Ronald J. Daniels announced that it would rededicate its Center for Entrepreneurship in LaPere's honor.[16]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kim, Chloe (September 28, 2023). "Pava LaPere: Suspect arrested in killing of Baltimore tech CEO". BBC News. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Lapidus, Sarah (September 28, 2023). "Who was Pava LaPere? Tech executive killed in Baltimore grew up in Tucson". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  3. ↑ Ingram, David (September 28, 2023). "Slain Baltimore tech CEO wanted to disrupt industry's 'boys network'". NBC News. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 McCluskey, Mitchell; Lynch, Jamiel (September 26, 2023). "26-year-old tech CEO found dead in Baltimore with signs of blunt-force trauma". CNN. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Forbes 30 Under 30: Social Impact". Forbes. 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Planas, Antonio; Chan, Melissa (September 28, 2023). "Baltimore tech CEO was found on apartment rooftop, died of strangulation and blunt force trauma". NBC News. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  7. 1 2 Yan, Holly; Smart, Sara; Razek, Raja; Jimenez, Omar; Koenig, Lauren (September 28, 2023). "Slain Baltimore CEO died of strangulation and blunt force trauma, court documents say". CNN. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  8. ↑ Cann, Christopher; Nguyen, Thao; Nurse, Krystal (September 28, 2023). "Jason Billingsley, man accused of killing Baltimore tech CEO, arrested after dayslong search". USA Today. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  9. ↑ Yoon, John; Hauser, Christine (September 28, 2023). "Suspect in Killing of Baltimore Tech C.E.O. Pava LaPere Is Arrested". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Cann, Christopher (September 29, 2023). "Details emerge in the killing of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere". USA Today. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Planas, Antonio; Stelloh, Tim (September 27, 2023). "Baltimore CEO, 26, was killed by a repeat offender who should have never been on the street, officials allege". NBC News. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  12. ↑ Planas, Antonio; Burke, Minyvonne; Helsel, Phil (September 28, 2023). "Suspect in Baltimore tech CEO's death had warrant for alleged rape days before killing". NBC News. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  13. 1 2 Burke, Minyvonne (September 30, 2023). "How a violent sex offender now accused of rape and Pava LaPere's murder got out of prison early". NBC News. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  14. ↑ Bohannon, Molly (September 28, 2023). "Suspect Arrested In Murder Of 26-Year-Old Tech CEO Pava LaPere". Forbes. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  15. ↑ Dacey, Kim (September 29, 2023). "Baltimore murder suspect's mom speaks for first time since son's arrest". WBAL-TV. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  16. ↑ Miller, Hallie (December 9, 2023). "'This is our gift to our daughter': Pava LaPere honored at memorial service". Baltimore Banner. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
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