Current:Home > MarketsPredictIQ-Suspect wanted in murder of Baltimore tech CEO arrested: US Marshals -WealthRoots Academy
PredictIQ-Suspect wanted in murder of Baltimore tech CEO arrested: US Marshals
Ethermac Exchange View
Date:2025-04-06 22:15:38
The PredictIQmanhunt for a convict accused of murdering a Baltimore tech CEO, and who has also been linked to an attempted murder, arson and rape that occurred last week, has ended with the suspect’s arrest.
The U.S. Marshalls told ABC News late Wednesday night that Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, of Baltimore, who was wanted for first-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment and other charges in connection with the death of Pava LaPere, 26, the founder of EcoMap Technologies, was arrested in Maryland.
Police found LaPere dead with "blunt-force trauma wounds" in a Baltimore apartment building on Monday, within hours of being reported missing, according to Baltimore Commissioner Richard Worley. Billingsley was announced as a suspect in the case on Tuesday.
MORE: Suspect sought in murder of 26-year-old tech CEO: Police
Amid the investigation, Baltimore police said on Wednesday that Billingsley was also wanted in connection with an attempted murder, arson and rape that occurred on Sept. 19 in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue.
In that case, police responding to the report of a fire found a man and woman suffering from multiple undisclosed injuries. They were transported to area hospitals in critical condition, police said at the time. A 5-year-old was also found on the upper level of the home unharmed, police said.
"Multiple warrants have been issued for Billingsley and detectives continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners in apprehending him," the Baltimore Police Department said in a statement.
Police are offering a $6,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest and charges against Billingsley.
Detectives are also reviewing all cases since October 2022 "in order to determine any other connections."
MORE: Murder suspect mistakenly freed from Indianapolis jail captured after 2-week manhunt
Billingsley was previously convicted of a sex offense in 2015 and released in October 2022, according to Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services online records.
He was sentenced to 30 years in prison with all but 14 years suspended due to good-time credits -- also known as diminution credits -- given for good behavior and education under a Maryland statute. Additional time would likely be subtracted for any time served between arrest and sentencing and days off each month, according to ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire.
This type of release would typically require mandatory supervision, including "heavy surveillance," David Jaros, the faculty 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's database.
He is believed to be "armed and dangerous," Worley told reporters during a press briefing on Tuesday while urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 911.
"This individual will kill and he will rape; he will do anything he can to cause harm," Worley said.
A vigil is scheduled to be held Wednesday evening for LaPere, EcoMap said.
LePere's family released a statement Wednesday reflecting on her life, compassion and work ethic.
"We have lost a deeply loved daughter, sister and friend who could understand all of us in a way that no other human being could. Pava had a unique vantage into our lives, and an intelligence to understand that each human is unique and irreplaceable," they said in the statement. "In life’s darkest moments, Pava’s council and reflection gave all of us a perspective, and the will to persevere despite the odds."
The family also remarked that LePere, "loved Baltimore, its people, its potential, its art, its history and architecture."
"There was no bigger 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 are with her family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly devastating time," the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
ABC News' Desiree Adib, Beatrice Peterson and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.
veryGood! (6237)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- 6 killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine as Kyiv continues drone counterstrikes
- Kenyan Facebook moderators accuse Meta of not negotiating sincerely
- Illinois man fatally stabbed 6-year-old in hate crime motivated by Israeli-Hamas war, authorities say
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- The $22 Earpad Covers That Saved Me From Sweaty, Smelly Headphones While Working Out
- Police in Belgium say 2 people have been killed in a shooting in Brussels
- It Only Takes One Time to Find Out What the Stars of Little Giants Are Up to Now
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- France player who laughed during minute’s silence for war victims apologizes for ‘nervous laugh’
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- 'Blackouts' is an ingenious deathbed conversation between two friends
- That Mixed Metal Jewelry Trend? Here’s How To Make It Your Own
- French authorities say school where teacher was fatally stabbed last week evacuated over bomb alert
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Northwestern St-SE Louisiana game moved up for Caldwell’s funeral
- Italy approves 24 billion-euro budget that aims to boost household spending and births
- AP PHOTOS: Scenes of pain and grief on war’s 10th day
Recommendation
Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
Adidas, Ivy Park have released the final installment of their collaboration. What to know
Stoneman Douglas High shooting site visited one last time by lawmakers and educators
Kim Ng, MLB’s 1st female GM, is leaving the Miami Marlins after making the playoffs in 3rd season
House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
2026 Olympic organizers forced to look outside Italy for ice sliding venue after project funds cut
Judge to hear arguments on proposed Trump gag order in Jan. 6 case
Russian governor has been reported to police after saying there’s ‘no need’ for the war in Ukraine