Man wanted in killing of Baltimore tech entrepreneur arrested, police say
Police say a man wanted in the killing of a Baltimore tech entrepreneur has been arrested
BALTIMORE — A man was arrested in the killing of a Baltimore tech entrepreneur who had built a successful startup that earned her national recognition, police said early Thursday.
Police didn’t release any details of the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Jason Billingsley after the death of 26-year-old Pava LaPere but planned a news conference later in the morning. Police had announced an arrest warrant earlier in the week, saying that Billingsley was wanted on a first-degree murder charge in LaPere's death.
LaPere's family thanked city police and their law enforcement partners Thursday morning for their “tireless efforts” throughout the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.
“We’re relieved to know he can no longer hurt other innocent victims,” the family said in a statement. «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.”
LaPere was remembered at a vigil Wednesday night as someone who remained focused on building community and using entrepreneurship to create meaningful social change even as her national profile rose.
Police found LaPere dead with signs of blunt force trauma in her apartment complex after she was reported missing late Monday morning. The Johns Hopkins University graduate founded the tech startup EcoMap Technologies while she was still a college student.
Billingsley was publicly identified as a suspect Tuesday, with police saying that local, state and federal law enforcement agencies were searching for him. Billingsley, 32, was paroled last October in
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