Police in Baltimore, Maryland, are looking for Jason Billingsley, 32, in connection with the murder of Pava LaPere, 26, CEO and founder of EcoMap. 

LaPere was found dead in her luxury Mount Vernon apartment on Monday, September 25, at 11:34 a.m. with “blunt force trauma” injuries. Shortly before police arrived,  investigators discovered that a missing-person report had been filed.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Baltimore Police warned about the dangerous nature of Billingsley. Acting Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Richard Worley said he is wanted for first-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment and additional charges, including at least one other investigation in Baltimore. He also has a prior record involving attempted rape.

Baltimore Police records reveal Billingsley has been arrested several times in 2009, 2011, and 2013. His charges were related to sexual offences, second-degree assault, and robbery. He received a sentence of 30 years in 2011 but was released on parole in October 2022.

“We implore residents to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This individual will kill, and he will rape. He will do anything he can to cause harm,” Commissioner Worley said.

“We ask anyone who may have seen him, knows him or knows his whereabouts, to contact police immediately by calling 911.”

Apart from warning residents, Commissioner Worley also sent out a message for Billingsley to turn himself in.

“Every single police officer in Baltimore City and the state of Maryland, as well as the U.S. Marshals, are looking for you. We will find you, so I will ask you to turn yourself in to any officer at a police station because we will take you into custody eventually, and then we will turn it over to the state’s attorney to prosecute you to the fullest,” he added. 

Remembering LaPere

LaPere founded EcoMap from her dorm room at Johns Hopkins University to make ecosystem information accessible to everyone, according to the company’s website. In the last 18 months, her company has raised $7 million (€6,6 million) in funding.

In 2023, LaPere was placed on Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” list. She was slated to be the keynote speaker at the Ecosystem Builders Forum in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on October 2-3. The event, supported by EcoMap as one of its sponsors, will feature workshops and engaging panel discussions.

LaPere resided in an apartment at the converted Congress Hotel in the Bromo Arts District, a section of Downtown Baltimore. According to the building’s management company, one-bedroom units within the premises typically rent for approximately $1,500 (€1,420) per month. 

The company confirmed her death and released a statement in mourning. Following her passing, tributes and support poured in on social media. 

“Pava was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader,” the statement reads.

“Her untiring commitment to our company, to Baltimore, to amplifying the critical work of ecosystems across the country, and to building a deeply inclusive culture as a leader, friend, and partner set a standard for leadership, and her legacy will live on through the work we continue to do.”

Potential danger looming

This case is a tragic reminder that executives, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and public figures are particularly vulnerable to being targeted by criminals. This could be due to their wealth, prominence, and access to sensitive information.

Investing in trusted security agencies like Marengo can provide extra protection from threats like mugging, burglary, theft, robbery, or even murder. If you are unsure which service to invest in, the agency can plan suitable security measures.

HNWIs can hire close protection services, which include close protection officers or protective surveillance, personalised security risk assessments, and security recommendations.

Residential protection is also essential. Tools like CCTV cameras, intruder alarms, access control, and sufficient lighting can deter potential threats from entering the property. Trained guard dogs and protection officers can also physically assist in guarding the area where you and your loved ones live.