Suspect Jason Billingsley arrested in murder of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere

Police say they’ll maintain a information convention Thursday morning to announce the arrest of Jason Billingsley within the brutal homicide of 26-year-old Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere. Sources have advised CBS Information Baltimore that he is in custody.

No particulars on the arrest had been instantly accessible.

Baltimore Appearing Police Commissioner Richard Worley mentioned at a press convention Tuesday night that an arrest warrant had been issued for the 32-year-old Billingsley, from Baltimore, for first-degree homicide, assault, reckless endangerment and extra costs.

“We implore residents to concentrate on your environment always,” Worley mentioned. “This particular person will kill and he’ll rape. He’ll do something he can to trigger hurt.”

Worley was joined by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, State’s Lawyer Ivan Bates, and U.S. Marshals on the information convention as native, state and federal legislation enforcement companies sought Billingsley.

The convicted felon and intercourse offender was paroled final October in an earlier sexual assault case, CBS Information Baltimore says.

And sources near the investigation confirmed to the station that Billingsley can be the prime suspect in an arson in a house in West Baltimore on Sept. 19. The Related Press says it additionally concerned a rape and tried homicide.

In that incident, CBS Information Baltimore says, a person and a girl had been critically injured. A 5-year-old was discovered on a unique flooring of the home and brought to a hospital as effectively, hearth officers mentioned.

LaPere was discovered lifeless with indicators of blunt pressure trauma Monday morning, in response to police.

LaPere co-founded EcoMap, an organization that claims it digitizes ecosystems with its proprietary expertise.

Whereas Billingsley was nonetheless on the run, his mom, Scarlett Billingsley, begged him to give up.

“I advised him that he wants to show himself in, however I actually do not suppose he is going to do this as a result of he is scared,” Scarlett Billingsley advised CBS Information Baltimore.

At a vigil for LaPere Wednesday night, staff of EcoMap Applied sciences, household and buddies gathered to rejoice her life, CBS Baltimore experiences. 

“Thanks all for being right here and for loving our daughter and for caring for her,” Frank LaPere, the sufferer’s father, mentioned. “We will take her away from Baltimore, however her presence won’t ever go away right here.”

The current Johns Hopkins grad was remembered as somebody who was stuffed with power and ambition and a agency perception within the potential for optimistic change, in response to the AP.