A violent sex offender accused of killing the Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO on the roof of her luxury apartment was denied parole twice before a state law automatically approved his release.
Convicted felon Jason Billingsley, 32, is the prime suspect in the brutal murder of Pava LaPere, 26, at her home in Baltimore, Maryland.
The violent offender was released in 2022 due to “good credit” after a judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison for attempted rape.
Initial reports that Billingsley was paroled were false. The chairman of the Maryland Parole Commission confirmed to that the serial offender was rejected twice, in 2020 and 2022 – just months before his release.
David Blumberg said Billingsley was released because of a “legislative measure” in Maryland that allows offenders to be released early for good behavior and merit.
Convicted felon Jason Billingsley, 32, is the prime suspect in the brutal murder of Pava LaPere at her home in Baltimore, Maryland
Initial reports that Billingsley was paroled were false. The chairman of the Maryland Parole Commission (left) confirmed to that the serial offender (right) was paroled twice, in 2020 and 2022 – just months before his release
He told : “He was not paroled, he was released by law on October 5 last year.”
“He had an in-person hearing in 2020 which was rejected by the parole board and he applied for release again in 2022 but was rejected.”
“We had concerns about him, otherwise we would have considered probation.” He was serving a sentence for a very serious crime.
“In relation to his case, refusing parole was not a difficult decision. It is a very sad and tragic case. She was a bright young woman to look forward to and it is heartbreaking to see this happen.
“As a lifelong resident of Baltimore City, I have had this job for more than 20 years. There are certain cases that you will remember, and I will remember this one because it is very tragic and very sad.”
LaPere’s badly beaten and partially clothed body was discovered on the roof of the luxury Mount Vernon apartment on Monday. Less than 24 hours later, police named Billingsley as the prime suspect in her death.
The sex offender registry shows the convicted felon lives just 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) from LePere’s home and was reported missing hours before she was discovered as police launch a manhunt for him.
He is also suspected of another attack with a knife a week before her death. Authorities declined to say whether they were investigating him for other incidents.
Sources told that Billingsley attacked the young CEO on the roof of her luxury building
LaPere is believed to have lived and worked in the building where she was found dead Monday
Billingsley has a criminal record since 2009 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison – but was released after just nine years
Billingsley, a 6-foot, 300-pound convict, has a history of violent crimes with convictions dating back to 2009, when he was just 18 years old.
The felon was convicted of first-degree assault in 2009 and received two years of probation.
Billingsley violated the conditions and was convicted of second-degree assault in 2011 – he served two years in prison.
Months after his release for the violent attack, Billingsley was convicted of attempted rape in 2013.
He was sentenced to 30 years in prison after the first-degree sexual assault, with part of his sentence suspended.
Court records show Billingsley’s 16-year sentence was suspended and he was granted five years of supervised probation upon his release.
Billingsley was scheduled to be under parole supervision until 2027 and was eventually released after accumulating four years and three months of credits.
He was convicted in 2015, but his sentence began in 2013, when he was jailed after being convicted of a previous attempted rape.
The alleged killer was due to serve 14 years of his 30-year sentence, with a judge suspending 16 of his sentence.
However, due to the credits he had acquired during his imprisonment, he was released after just nine years in prison.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said it was “hard to express the sadness” over LaPere’s killing, calling it “horrible, senseless and tragic.”
He said he knew LaPere and said she would “help anyone she could see.”
Scott vowed that Baltimore “will not rest until we have him in custody,” adding that he “should not have been on the streets in the first place.”
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley announced the suspect’s name and promised to track him down and bring him to justice
Pava Marie LaPere, 26 (left), was killed by blunt force trauma in her luxury apartment in Mount Vernon, Baltimore, and her body was found by police on Monday. On Tuesday, police announced they had issued an arrest warrant for Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, of Baltimore (right).
Scott said he was “extremely frustrated” that Billingsley could attack again.
“We need to get other parts of the system to understand that these cases affect people for eternity,” he said.
“Pava’s family will struggle with the trauma and tragedy of her loss for the rest of their lives.”
“The police go out and do their job, as they did in this case, and then the prosecutor goes out, does their job and passes the conviction – the conviction should be the conviction.”
“We are tired of talking about the same people committing the same crimes over and over again.”
Investigators remain tight-lipped about the circumstances of LaPere’s death, but sources confirmed to that her badly beaten body was found on the roof.
Reaching the area may have required climbing a ladder or fire escape, the source explained.
The macabre twist suggests the possibility that LaPere was either led there before she was attacked or that her body was subsequently dumped on the roof to hide the crime.
Investigators remain tight-lipped about the circumstances of LaPere’s death, but sources confirmed to that her badly beaten body was found on the roof
LaPere, who attended John Hopkins University, was named to Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list this year for her impactful work
She is the co-founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies – which she founded in her college dorm at the age of 22
Billingsley is not believed to have known LaPere, who lived on the seventh floor of the building.
Police would not comment Tuesday on how he got into the building other than to say it was “safe.”
Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley confirmed that he had issued a warrant for Billingsley’s arrest and was “unaware” of any connection between him and LaPere.
He said Billingsley is considered armed and dangerous and is a suspect in “at least one other case” that he declined to describe. Worley did not say how investigators identified Billingsley as a suspect.
“This person is going to kill and rape,” Worley said. “He will do anything to cause harm. “Please be aware of your surroundings.”
LaPere, who attended John Hopkins University before founding the company, was named to Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” list this year for her impactful work.
She is the co-founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies – which she founded in her college dorm at the age of 22. In addition to her Forbes recognition, she was named to Baltimore’s 40 Under 40 and Maryland’s 25 Under 25 lists for innovation.
Pava was remembered by those who knew and worked with her as one of Baltimore’s “brightest stars” and a “compassionate visionary force.”
Her $7 million company, EcoMap Technologies, said in a statement Tuesday: “It is with deep sadness and shock that EcoMap announces the tragic and untimely death of our beloved founder and CEO Pava LaPere.”
LaPere was expected to speak at an industry forum in Pennsylvania on October 2, and EcoMap Technologies publicized the event yesterday – after she was found dead
The EcoMap Technologies team, including Lapere, pictured in front of their home
“The circumstances surrounding Pava’s death are deeply disturbing and our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly devastating time.”
“Pava was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap, but also a deeply compassionate and committed leader.
“Her tireless commitment to our company, to Baltimore, to amplifying the important work of ecosystems across the country, and to building a deeply inclusive culture as a leader, friend, and partner has set a benchmark for leadership, and her legacy will live on.” the work we continue to do.
“As a team and on behalf of our customers and the EcoMap community, we are devastated by this loss and pledge our unwavering support to the LaPere family during this heartbreaking time.”
“We would also like to thank the authorities and emergency services for their commitment and professionalism.”
“We understand the public’s interest in this story, but kindly ask for privacy and respect as we mourn and process this unimaginable tragedy.” “We will share more about how we plan to honor Pava’s memory and legacy in the coming days .”