Pava LaPere

Pava LaPere
Born(1997-01-21)January 21, 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 (January 21, 1997 – September 22, 2023) was an American businesswoman who was the founder and CEO of the tech startup EcoMap Technologies. She was murdered 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]

Murder

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]

Perpetrator

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 was a suspect in another similar case that occurred on September 19, three days prior to LaPere's murder, wherein he used his credentials as a maintenance worker to gain entry to another woman's apartment, sexually assault her at gunpoint, and set the victim, her friend, and their apartment on fire with the aid of an accelerant. He was charged with rape, attempted murder, and arson.[10][6] Police believe that LaPere may not have known Billingsley.[10]

In August 2024, Billingsley pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in LaPere's death, as well as the rape, attempted murder, and arson from the previous case, and received three life sentences with the possibility of parole, two to be served consecutively. The consecutive sentences reduce the likelihood that Billingsley will be released from prison; Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates stated that Billingsley would likely be 93 years old before he would have an opportunity to be released, as he would have to serve 60 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.[14][15][16]

Reactions

On September 26, EcoMap Technologies issued a statement: "[T]he 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."[17]

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]

LaPere's parents testifying to legislators, 2024

Billingsley's mother expressed condolences for his victims and their families.[18]

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.[19]

In January 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore endorsed legislation to restrict sex offenders' ability to earn "good time" credits that reduce their sentence, citing LaPere's murder.[20] LaPere's parents testified in support of the bill.[21] The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore in May 2024.[22]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kim, Chloe (September 28, 2023). "Pava LaPere: Suspect arrested in killing of Baltimore tech CEO". BBC News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Lapidus, Sarah (September 28, 2023). "Who was Pava LaPere? Tech executive killed in Baltimore grew up in Tucson". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  3. ^ Ingram, David (September 28, 2023). "Slain Baltimore tech CEO wanted to disrupt industry's 'boys network'". NBC News. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c McCluskey, Mitchell; Lynch, Jamiel (September 26, 2023). "26-year-old tech CEO found dead in Baltimore with signs of blunt-force trauma". CNN. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  5. ^ "Forbes 30 Under 30: Social Impact". Forbes. 2023. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d Planas, Antonio; Chan, Melissa (September 28, 2023). "Baltimore tech CEO was found on apartment rooftop, died of strangulation and blunt force trauma". NBC News. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  7. ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. 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. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. 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. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d Cann, Christopher (September 29, 2023). "Details emerge in the killing of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  11. ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. 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. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  13. ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  14. ^ Mann, Alex (August 28, 2024). "Baltimore man pleads guilty to murder in entrepreneur Pave LaPere killing, gets life in prison". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  15. ^ Helsel, Phil (August 31, 2024). "Man sentenced to life for killing Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere". NBC News. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  16. ^ Albert, Jessica; Thompson, Adam; Olaniran, Christian; Davila, Alexus (August 30, 2024). "Jason Billingsley sentenced to life in prison for murder of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere". CBS Baltimore. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  17. ^ Bohannon, Molly (September 28, 2023). "Suspect Arrested In Murder Of 26-Year-Old Tech CEO Pava LaPere". Forbes. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  18. ^ Dacey, Kim (September 29, 2023). "Baltimore murder suspect's mom speaks for first time since son's arrest". WBAL-TV. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  19. ^ Miller, Hallie (December 9, 2023). "'This is our gift to our daughter': Pava LaPere honored at memorial service". Baltimore Banner. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  20. ^ Willis, Adam (January 16, 2024). "After LaPere killing, Moore backs limits on early release for some sex offenders". Baltimore Banner. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  21. ^ Worthington, Elizabeth (February 7, 2024). "Parents of Pava LaPere testify on bill targeting violent sex offenders". WMAR-TV. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  22. ^ Ford, William J. (May 16, 2024). "Moore signs bills to tighten juvenile justice, expand gun safety measures". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 16, 2024.

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