Suspect wanted in murder of Baltimore Tech CEO Pava LaPere arrested: US Marshals

The manhunt for a convict accused of killing a Baltimore tech CEO, and who has also been linked to an attempted murder, arson and rape last week, has ended with the arrest of the suspect.

U.S. Marshals told ABC News Wednesday evening that Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, of Baltimore, wanted for first-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment and other charges in connection with the death of Pava LaPere, 26, founder from EcoMap. Technologies, was arrested in Maryland.

Police found LaPere dead Monday with “blunt traumatic injuries” in a Baltimore apartment building, hours after she was reported missing, according to Baltimore Commissioner Richard Worley. Billingsley was announced Tuesday as a suspect in the case.

Amid the investigation, Baltimore police said Wednesday that Billingsley was also wanted for attempted murder, arson and rape that occurred Sept. 19 in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue.

In this case, the police, informed of a fire, discovered a man and a woman suffering from multiple undisclosed injuries. They were transported to area hospitals in critical condition, police said at the time. A 5-year-old child was also found unharmed on the upper level of the home, police said.

“Several arrest warrants have been issued for Billingsley and detectives continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to apprehend him,” Baltimore Police said in a statement.

Police are offering a $6,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest and charges against Billingsley.

Detectives are also reviewing all cases since October 2022 “to determine any other links.”

Billingsley was previously convicted of a sex offense in 2015 and released in October 2022, according to online records from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 14 years suspended because of good time credits — also known as diminution credits — awarded for good behavior and education under a Maryland law. Additional time would likely be subtracted for any time served between arrest and conviction and days off each month, according to ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire.

This type of release would typically require mandatory supervision, including “intensive supervision,” David Jaros, director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimore, told ABC News.

Billingsley is a registered sex offender in the state database.

He is considered “armed and dangerous,” Worley told reporters at a press briefing Tuesday, while urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 911.

“This individual will kill and rape; he will do anything he can to cause harm,” Worley said.

A vigil is planned for Wednesday evening for LaPere, EcoMap said.

LaPere’s family released a statement Wednesday reflecting on his life, compassion and work ethic.

“We lost a deeply loved daughter, sister and friend who could understand us like no other human being could. Pava had a unique perspective on our lives and an intelligence to understand that every human being is unique and irreplaceable . ” they said in the press release. “In life’s darkest moments, Pava’s advice and reflection gave us all perspective and the will to persevere despite obstacles.”

The family also noted that LaPere “loved Baltimore, its people, its potential, its art, its history and its architecture.”

“There was no greater ambassador for all that is great about the city,” they said.

EcoMap Technologies, a Baltimore-based company, said LaPere was a “visionary force” behind the startup as well as a “deeply compassionate and dedicated leader.”

“The circumstances surrounding Pava’s death are deeply distressing, and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly devastating time,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

Desiree Adib, Beatrice Peterson and Ivan Pereira of ABC News contributed to this report.