Pava Lapere and Jason Dean Billingsley.Photo:PavaMarie/Instagram; Baltimore Police Department
PavaMarie/Instagram; Baltimore Police Department
The suspect arrested in the murder ofPava LaPereis also a suspect in a separate rape, attempted murder and arson incident, authorities say.
Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, of Baltimorewas arrested in connection with LaPere’s murder at around 11 p.m. ETon Wednesday in Maryland, according to authorities. His arrest comes after LaPere — who was founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies — was discovered on the roof of her Mount Vernon apartment building in the 300 block of West Franklin Street on Monday around 11:30 a.m. Police said in a news conference on Thursday that they believe she was killed the Friday prior, multiple outlets reported.
On Thursday, outlets includingCNN,ABC NewsandNBC Newsreported that, according to court documents, LaPere died as a result of strangulation and blunt force trauma. A brick and several teeth were among the items found at the crime scene.
Ahead of Billinglsey’s arrest, Baltimore Policereleased a statementthat noted that he is believed to be responsible for a separate incident in the Baltimore area that occurred the same week as LaPere’s murder.
Jason Dean Billingsley mugshot.Baltimore Police/Facebook
Baltimore Police/Facebook
“Through the course of the investigation, BPD can confirm that Billingsley is wanted in connection to an attempted murder, arson and rape that occurred on Sept. 19, 2023, in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue,” the Wednesday release stated. Accordingto CNN, the Sept. 19 incident occurred about a mile from where 26-year-old LaPere was found.
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“Additionally, we know that the suspect did not break into the building as he worked at that location.”
WJZreported on Sept. 19that the fire began at around 9.30 a.m. local time.
“I heard her screaming and banging on the grate help her get out, help her,” a neighbor told WJZ at the time. “I screamed through the building to see if there was anyone who could help me help her.”
A 5-year-old was also found in the building and taken to hospital, per WJZ.
Pava LaPere.PavaMarie/Instagram
PavaMarie/Instagram
“I know this arrest does not bring back Pava LaPere,” Worley said at the Thursday press conference. “But my hope is at least we can give a sense of closure to the city of Baltimore, the victims of all his crimes and all their families."
Pava LaPere.Pava Marie LaPere/ Instagram
Pava Marie LaPere/ Instagram
LaPere was featured onForbes' 30 Under 30 list for social impact in 2023.
Police said they are continuing to “investigators continue to actively review all other open cases since October 2022, to determine if any other connections exist.”
source: people.com
