Pava LaPere remembered as a passionate community leader: Baltimore lost 'one of its brightest lights'

Loved ones of a Baltimore tech entrepreneur who was found killed at her apartment earlier this week remembered the young woman as a crucial component of the city's community and tech scene, where she strived for social change.

A vigil was held Wednesday evening in memory and honor of Pava LaPere, the 26-year-old CEO of software startup EcoMap Technologies. LaPere was found dead at her apartment complex after being reported missing Monday morning in what police believe was a random attack.

In the days since the incident, family, friends, and community members remembered LaPere as a driven leader who cared for the community. While the entrepreneur was known for her ambitious start-ups, she was also focused on creating meaningful connections and change within the community.

LaPere's friend and cofounder of EcoMap Technologies, Sherrod Davis spoke through tears at Wednesday's vigil. In his closing statements, Davis described LaPere's dedication to building an inclusive and equitable ecosystem in Baltimore — a city she loved.

"Baltimore has truly lost one of its brightest lights, and one of its loudest advocates," Davis said at the vigil.

"People often talk about standing on the shoulders of giants to get to where they are," he added. "I've had the privilege of standing on the shoulders of a young, five-foot-two-inch giant for the last three years."

A 'force of nature'

Dozens of people gathered at the steps of the Washington Monument in downtown Baltimore, which was decorated with flowers and a memorial display of LaPere. Speakers shed tears and laughed as they shared their remarks and memories of the entrepreneur.

Kory Bailey, an executive with UpSurge Baltimore, introduced himself as the emcee for the vigil and described LaPere as a “force of nature” who was “full of life and energy.”

Each speaker recalled LaPere’s “loudness” and how easy it was to connect with her. They noted how passionate she was about her company and the community of Baltimore.

“She then talks about EcoMap. And boy, does she talk,” Bailey said. “Anyone who knows Pava, knows how passionate and how fast she spoke when she started to talk about EcoMap and creating equitable access to information for everyone, especially those that have been deprived from those resources.”

But her ambitions went beyond her startup. Speakers called LaPere a leader who wanted to change the tech industry by making it more accessible for women and people of color to build their companies.

“Pava had a vision of a more connected world, a commitment to impact, a commitment to community, a commitment to Baltimore and a commitment to living life, a life of service to others,” said Jeff Cherry, a managing partner at Conscious Venture Partners, who spoke about his experience investing in LaPere’s vision of the future.

Frank LaPere remembered his daughter as a “stubborn and sly” girl who would sneak out to ride a bicycle in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, and then sneak back in before her parents woke up.

“Tucson’s not a small city. But she was that way,” he said. “She's always, always been a leader, always been driven and creative.”

LaPere had left Tucson to attend Johns Hopkins University, where she initially wanted to be a doctor before she “realized she didn’t like blood,” her father joked. According to her family, LaPere made Baltimore her home and saw the city's potential for opportunity.

LaPere is known in the Baltimore area for her start-up, EcoMap Technologies, which improves the accessibility of information by mapping it and putting it on an accessible platform. She launched the start-up from her dorm room at Johns Hopkins University, where she graduated in 2019.

Forbes named LaPere on its 2023 30 Under 30 list for social impact. "With over $4 million raised and a team of nearly 30, the Johns Hopkins grad runs a company whose clients include The Aspen Institute, Meta, the WXR Fund, and T.Rowe Price Foundation," Forbes wrote.

"Whether the Ecomap team, City of Baltimore, or the worldwide entrepreneurial community, the loss is all of ours," LaPere's family said in a statement Wednesday. "Pava dedicated her life, her focus, her talent, and dizzying work ethic to our collective enrichment."

Ongoing search for suspect

Baltimore Police said LaPere was found around 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday at her apartment complex after being reported missing. She died from blunt-force trauma.

Police announced a suspect in the case Tuesday evening, launching a manhunt for Jason Billingsley, 32, who is considered armed and dangerous. In an update Wednesday afternoon, police said Billingsley is also suspected in a rape, attempted murder, and arson that occurred Sept. 19 in Baltimore.

Authorities also warned residents to be aware of their surroundings, adding that the murder suspect "will do anything he can to cause harm."

Police officials issued a warrant for Billingsley's arrest on charges of first-degree murder, assault and reckless endangerment for the killing of LaPere. Baltimore Police and Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland announced Wednesday they are offering up to a $6,000 cash reward for tips leading to the arrest and charges of Billingsley.

According to court records, Billingsley pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offense through force or threat in 2015 following an incident that occurred in 2013. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended, court records said.

James Bentley, a spokesperson for the Baltimore State Attorney’s Office, said Billingsley was released early from prison in October 2022 on diminution credits, which reduce an inmate’s term of incarceration. Billingsley was also placed on the state's sex offender registry.

Officials had previously said Billingsley was released last year on parole but Mark Vernarelli, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, told USA TODAY that Billingsley was denied parole. Vernarelli said Billingsley was instead released on mandatory supervision, a requirement by state law.

Before the sex offense, Billingsley pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and a parole violation in December 2009, according to records filed in Baltimore City Circuit Court. Two years later, he pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree assault.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore CEO case: Pava LaPere remembered as a 'force of nature'