Police arrest suspect in connection with Pava LaPere’s death

Mere hours after an emotional Wednesday night vigil where hundreds gathered in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood to honor the memory of Pava LaPere, authorities located the man they charged with the locally beloved entrepreneur’s homicide.

Police took Jason Billingsley, 32, into custody after 11 p.m. on Wednesday night, according to The Baltimore Banner and other media outlets. Several law enforcement agencies reportedly tracked Billingsley to a Bowie, Maryland, train station.

The arrest took place a little over a day after the Baltimore Police Department identified Billingsley as the primary suspect in the alleged murder of LaPere, who was at the age of 26 a force in Baltimore’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Billingsley is charged with first-degree murder in LaPere’s death, as well as several other violent offenses related to her killing. Police also named Billingsley the suspect in a Sept. 19 attack at an Upton residence.

LaPere’s family, some of whom came to Baltimore from out of state to attend and speak at the Wednesday night vigil, praised the police investigation in a written statement.

“We appreciate the tireless efforts of the Baltimore Police Department, and their law enforcement partners, throughout the course of this investigation and apprehension of the suspect,” read the statement. “We’re relieved to know he can no longer hurt other innocent victims. 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 the founder of EcoMap Technologies. Her company organized the vigil Wednesday. Speakers included father Frank LaPere; Protenus CEO Nick Culbertson; UpSurge Baltimore’s outgoing CEO Jamie McDonald and chief ecosystem and relationship officer Kory Bailey (who emceed the vigil); the Novella Center for Entrepreneurship’s CEO Jeff Cherry; EcoMap’s cofounder and COO Sherrod Davis; and Eden Rodriguez, the company’s head of people operations and LaPere’s former roommate. Fellow EcoMap colleague Thom Huenger, the company’s head of customer service, closed the vigil by playing and singing an original song.

LaPere’s family also issued a separate statement that paid tribute to the CEO’s empathy, love of Baltimore and impact on others.

“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 statement read. “We remain in complete shock and can barely comprehend Pava’s death. It will be in life’s quiet moments, after the dust settles, that the full reality of this tragedy will resonate. We should all carry Pava’s pragmatic positivity forward.”