Current:Home > ScamsDetails emerge in the killing of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Details emerge in the killing of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere
View Date:2024-12-23 22:34:20
On the night police say Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere was killed, she opened a lobby door of her apartment building for suspect Jason Billingsley before they briefly spoke and got on an elevator together, a warrant reviewed by The Associated Press said.
Billingsley, a convicted sex offender and suspect in other serious crimes, waved the 26-year-old entrepreneur over to the glass door on Sept. 22, records said. At the time, LaPere was sitting on a couch in the lobby of the downtown apartment building. Less than an hour later, surveillance footage captured Billingsley "scrambling for an exit" as he wiped his hands on his shorts and fled the building.
Police have said there’s no reason to believe LaPere knew Billingsley, who was already wanted by multiple agencies for his connection with a targeted rape, attempted murder and arson incident on Sept. 19.
Records: LaPere died of strangulation, blunt force trauma
LaPere's body was found partially clothed on the roof the her apartment building Monday morning by police, hours after she was reported missing, the warrant said. She died from strangulation and blunt force trauma.
It's unclear if Billingsley has an attorney who can comment on his behalf. The public defender's office, which has represented Billingsley in previous cases, did not immediately respond USA TODAY's requests for comment Friday morning.
The court records shed new light on the case that has disturbed the Baltimore business community. LaPere, named on the Forbes' 30 under 30 list for social impact earlier this year, has been celebrated by family, friends and colleagues for her ambitious startups, activism and love for the city of Baltimore.
Before her death Friday night, LaPere had attended a festival recognizing the Baltimore arts community, her friend told The Associated Press.
Grim details in Billingsley's earlier case revealed by court records
Billingsley, 32, was arrested Wednesday night by law enforcement, ending a large manhunt that began on Sept. 20, when the Baltimore Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest after he allegedly entered the apartment of two people in the building where he worked and attacked them.
Police said Billingsley held a woman and her boyfriend at gun point and then tied them up with duct tape before repeatedly raping the woman, according to a warrant. He is also suspected of slitting her throat before setting the couple on fire, leaving them with serious burns, police said. The couple survived.
Police officials said the department did not notify the public about Billingsley after that incident and before LaPere's death, because they had no evidence he would commit "random" acts of violence.
Once Billingsley was identified as the suspect in LaPere's killing, police released a description and urged residents to stay aware of their surroundings.
LaPere's family thanks law enforcement
LaPere’s family thanked law enforcement in a statement Thursday for their “tireless efforts” during the investigation and manhunt.
“We’re relieved to know he can no longer hurt other innocent victims,” the family said. “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.”
Contributing: The Associated Press
veryGood! (3763)
Related
- Jelly Roll goes to jail (for the best reason) ahead of Indianapolis concert
- College football Week 5 overreactions: Georgia is playoff trouble? Jalen Milroe won Heisman?
- King Charles III Shares Insight Into Queen Elizabeth’s Final Days 2 Years After Her Death
- Paris Jackson Shares Sweet Reason Dad Michael Jackson Picked Elizabeth Taylor to Be Her Godmother
- Republican Scott Baugh concedes to Democrat Dave Min in critical California House race
- Many small businesses teeter as costs stay high while sales drop
- Julianne Hough Claps Back at Critics Who Told Her to Eat a Cheeseburger After Sharing Bikini Video
- Who was Pete Rose? Hits, records, MLB suspension explained
- Northern Taurid meteor shower hits peak activity this week: When and where to watch
- World Central Kitchen, Hearts with Hands providing food, water in Asheville
Ranking
- Congress heard more testimony about UFOs: Here are the biggest revelations
- Colton Underwood and Husband Jordan C. Brown Welcome First Baby
- Wisconsin city replaces ballot drop box after mayor carted it away
- Murders, mayhem and officer’s gunfire lead to charges at Brooklyn jail where ‘Diddy’ is held
- Mike Tyson employs two trainers who 'work like a dream team' as Jake Paul fight nears
- Hurricane Helene among deadliest to hit US mainland; damage and death toll grow
- Gymshark Sale: Save 70% on Workout Gear With $20 Leggings, $12 Sports Bras, $14 Shorts & More
- Julianne Hough Claps Back at Critics Who Told Her to Eat a Cheeseburger After Sharing Bikini Video
Recommendation
-
'Gladiator 2' review: Yes, we are entertained again by outrageous sequel
-
Las Vegas memorial to mass shooting victims should be complete by 10th anniversary
-
Gavin Creel, Tony Award-Winning Actor, Dead at 48 After Battle With Rare Cancer
-
NBA players, coaches, GMs react to Dikembe Mutombo's death: 'He made us who we are.'
-
Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
-
Hurricane Helene among deadliest to hit US mainland; damage and death toll grow
-
Tyler Cameron’s Girlfriend Tate Madden Shares Peek Inside Their Romance
-
A Black man says a trucking company fired him because he couldn’t cut off his dreadlocks