Baltimore suspect arrested in killing of tech CEO

[September 29, 2023]   (Reuters) -Baltimore police have arrested a suspect in the killing of Pava LaPere, a 26-year-old tech executive, ending a two-day manhunt after investigators tracked him down using evidence from a previous crime, authorities said.

Jason Billingsley, 32, of Baltimore, was taken into custody at a train station in Bowie, Maryland, about 30 miles (48 km) south of downtown Baltimore, late on Wednesday, Baltimore acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley said at a news conference on Thursday.

"We were able to capture this violent criminal without incident," Worley said.

Local and federal authorities began searching for a suspect early on Monday when LaPere was found dead of blunt force trauma in an apartment complex in Baltimore. On Tuesday, police issued an arrest warrant for Billingsley.

"We do know that there was no forced entry into her apartment building," Worley said. "We don't know if there are any connections previously to LaPere or Billingsley."

Investigators identified Billingsley as a suspect by using evidence from a previous attempted murder, arson and rape incident on Sept. 19. Billingsley was a suspect in that incident after he was identified by witnesses and video surveillance, Worley said.

Investigators were able to track Billingsley's whereabouts and home in on him by using his cell phone and financial records, Worley said.

The arrest came hours after EcoMap Technologies, the company that LaPere cofounded, held a vigil in her honor at Baltimore's Washington Monument.

"Pava's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, amplifying ecosystems, and fortifying Baltimore's tech community set her apart as an exceptional leader," EcoMap said in a statement.

LaPere was celebrated on social media and in local news reports for her entrepreneurial success, which landed her a spot on the 2023 Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, and for promoting racial diversity and an inclusive workplace culture at EcoMap Technologies, where she served as CEO.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Leslie Adler)

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