Late Wednesday night, police announced the arrest of Jason Billingsley, putting an end to a massive manhunt for the man accused of killing a young tech CEO in Baltimore. According to FOX 45 Baltimore, Billingsley was arrested without incident at 11:10 p.m. at the MARC Train Station of Laurel-Bowie Road in Bowie, Prince George’s County, Maryland. Details on his arrest have not yet been provided by Baltimore police, but a news conference on his apprehension is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday.
Pava Marie LaPere, the 26-year-old CEO of EcoMap Technologies and recipient of a Forbes 30 Under 30 award in the social impact category, was found dead in an apartment complex in Baltimore. Her body showed signs of blunt-force trauma. This discovery came shortly after a missing persons report was filed on her behalf. During a news conference on Tuesday, Baltimore authorities identified Billingsley as the alleged suspect, describing him as a convicted felon who poses a significant threat to the public. Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley stressed that Billingsley is capable of causing harm, stating that he “will kill and he will rape.” Residents were urged to remain vigilant.
Court records obtained by Fox News Digital reveal that Billingsley has a criminal history dating back to 2009, including convictions for first-degree assault and violation of probation. These charges resulted in sentences of five and three years, respectively. He was also convicted of a first-degree forcible sex offense in 2015 and received a 30-year prison sentence. After serving time, he was released in October 2022, with 16 years of suspended time and five years of parole. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed dismay over Billingsley’s release, stating that he should not have been free to commit further crimes.
Billingsley now faces multiple charges in LaPere’s death, including first-degree murder and assault. Additionally, he is wanted in connection with an attempted murder, arson, and rape incident that occurred on September 19 in Baltimore. The police do not believe there was any prior relationship between Billingsley and LaPere. The motive for the crime, if any, has not been revealed at this time. It remains a tragic and shocking case that has shaken the city of Baltimore.