Jason Billingsley, man accused of killing Baltimore tech CEO, arrested after dayslong search

Jason Billingsley, the suspect accused of killing beloved Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere, has been taken into custody, authorities say.

The Baltimore Police Department confirmed the development in the dayslong search for Billingsley early Thursday morning. Details about his apprehension will be released at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m., according to the police department.

LaPere, 26, was found dead around 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday at her apartment complex after being reported missing, police have said. She died from blunt-force trauma.

On Tuesday, police identified Billingsley as the suspect in the case and launched a manhunt for the 32-year-old, who they considered armed and dangerous. Police also issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of first-degree murder, assault and reckless endangerment in connection with LaPere's killing.

Billingsley has been convicted on multiple charges dating back to 2009, when he was 18, including two assaults and a sex offense. On Wednesday, police said Billingsley is also suspected in a rape, attempted murder and arson that occurred on Sept. 19 in Baltimore.

'Baltimore has truly lost one of its brightest lights'

The murder of LaPere – the CEO of software startup EcoMap Technologies who received national recognition in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list – has shocked many in the city, especially those in the tech community, where she strived for social change.

In the days since the incident, family, friends, and community members remembered LaPere as a driven leader who cared for the community. While the entrepreneur was known for her ambitious start-ups, she was also focused on creating meaningful connections and change within the community.

Sherrod Davis, LaPere's friend and cofounder of EcoMap Technologies, spoke through tears at a vigil held Wednesday evening to honor the entrepreneur's memory. Davis described LaPere's dedication to building an inclusive and equitable ecosystem in Baltimore — a city she loved.

"Baltimore has truly lost one of its brightest lights, and one of its loudest advocates," Davis said at the vigil.

"People often talk about standing on the shoulders of giants to get to where they are," he added. "I've had the privilege of standing on the shoulders of a young, five-foot-two-inch giant for the last three years."

Kory Bailey, an executive with UpSurge Baltimore, introduced himself as the emcee for the vigil and described LaPere as a “force of nature” who was “full of life and energy.” 

Each speaker recalled LaPere’s “loudness” and how easy it was to connect with her. They noted how passionate she was about her company and the community of Baltimore.“She then talks about EcoMap. And boy, does she talk,” Bailey said. “Anyone who knows Pava, knows how passionate and how fast she spoke when she started to talk about EcoMap and creating equitable access to information for everyone, especially those that have been deprived from those resources.”

Frank LaPere remembered his daughter as a “stubborn and sly” girl who would sneak out to ride a bicycle in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, and then sneak back in before her parents woke up.

“Tucson’s not a small city. But she was that way,” he said. “She's always, always been a leader, always been driven and creative.”

LaPere eventually left Tucson to attend Johns Hopkins University. According to her family, LaPere made Baltimore her home and saw the city's potential for opportunity.