A man pleaded guilty on Friday to the murder of Baltimore tech entrepreneur Pava LaPere in a shocking and apparently random attack that took place last September. Jason Billingsley, 33, opted for a guilty plea instead of going to trial and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. In addition to the murder charge, Billingsley also pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder in a separate arson and home invasion case that occurred just days before LaPere's tragic death.
LaPere, a successful tech startup founder who was recognized on Forbes' 30 under 30 list for social impact, was found dead on the rooftop of her downtown Baltimore apartment building. The cause of her death was determined to be strangulation and blunt force trauma following a sexual assault. LaPere was known for her dedication to community building and using entrepreneurship as a tool for positive social change.
During a bail review hearing after Billingsley's arrest, prosecutors revealed that he had confessed to attacking LaPere with a brick. Billingsley gained access to her apartment building by luring her to the glass door, although there is no evidence to suggest that the two were acquainted.
The tragic incident involving LaPere also drew attention to the police response, with criticism directed at law enforcement for their handling of the case. Her body was discovered six days after the home invasion incident, during which Billingsley posed as a maintenance worker to gain entry into an apartment building. He proceeded to commit heinous acts, including rape, assault, and arson, leaving the victims with severe injuries.
Billingsley had previously served a shortened sentence for a 2013 rape conviction and was released from prison in October 2022 due to good behavior credits earned while incarcerated. In response to this case, Maryland lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year to eliminate good behavior credits for individuals convicted of first-degree rape, with the new law set to take effect on October 1.
