(Xeeis) — The Baltimore Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in connection with the tragic death of Pava LaPere, the 26-year-old CEO of the startup EcoMap Technologies. LaPere was discovered deceased in a downtown Baltimore apartment, showing signs of blunt-force trauma to her head. Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley announced during a press conference on Tuesday that the suspect sought is 32-year-old Jason Dean Billingsley.
Responding to a call for assistance, officers arrived at an apartment complex in the 300 block of West Franklin Street around 11:34 a.m. on Monday. Upon arrival, they found LaPere with severe head injuries. As of now, the police have not disclosed further details regarding her tragic demise.
The medical examiner’s office has taken custody of the body, and a thorough examination is pending, according to police sources.
Billingsley is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and additional offenses. Authorities caution that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Commissioner Worley issued a stern warning, stating, “This individual poses a significant threat to public safety and will do anything to cause harm.”
Baltimore police have not indicated any prior connection between LaPere and Billingsley. They have not disclosed how they identified Billingsley as a suspect in the case.
In a direct message to Billingsley, Worley urged him to surrender voluntarily, saying, “We will locate you, so I implore you to turn yourself in to any law enforcement officer or police station.”
A Prominent Startup Figure with Ties to Baltimore
EcoMap Technologies was co-founded by LaPere and Sherrod Davis when LaPere was a 21-year-old college student at Johns Hopkins, as stated on the company’s website. The startup, with just over 30 employees, operates in the realm of artificial intelligence and provides AI tools, including a customizable chatbot, aimed at streamlining information access for clients and enhancing customer communication.
EcoMap confirmed the heartbreaking news of LaPere’s passing in a statement, saying, “With profound sadness and shock, EcoMap announces the tragic and untimely passing of our beloved Founder and CEO, Pava LaPere. The circumstances surrounding Pava’s death are deeply distressing, and our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly devastating time.”
In August, the company reported securing nearly $8 million in financing. Earlier this year, LaPere was recognized in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the social impact category.
“Pava was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader,” the company expressed. “Her unwavering commitment to our company, to Baltimore, to amplifying the critical work of ecosystems across the country, and to building an inclusive culture has set a standard for leadership. Her legacy will endure through the work we continue to undertake.”
Delali Dzirasa, the CEO of Baltimore-based company Fearless, served as a mentor to LaPere. He recalls her as a determined leader who earned respect throughout the community. Dzirasa remarked, “There is no person on this planet who could have convinced Pava that she couldn’t accomplish something. Despite her strong presence, she always made room for others.”