The parents of a young tech CEO murdered in Baltimore last year called on the Maryland General Assembly on Tuesday to eliminate good behavior credits for jailed rapists.
Pava Marie Laperre, 26, CEO of Ecomap Technologies, suffered strangulation and blunt force trauma at the hands of convicted felon Jason Billingsley, 32. He died in September 2023 due to the cause. He is charged with first-degree murder in her death and is still one year removed from prison after serving a reduced sentence for rape in 2013 due to her good behavior in prison. It had only been a while.
At the time of LaPerle’s death, Baltimore police were searching for Billingsley in connection with a rape that occurred on September 19, 2023. The rape incident involved a man and woman bound together with duct tape before her home was set on fire.
Pava’s parents, Frank and Caroline LaPerle, said Tuesday that the state prohibits people jailed for first-degree rape from automatically qualifying for early release based on good behavior. He testified in support of the bill in Congress.
Who is Jason Billingsley, accused of murdering Baltimore Tech CEO Pava Marie LaPerre?
Frank LaPerle, the father of Baltimore murder victim Pava Marie LaPere, testified Tuesday in Annapolis, Maryland, that the person jailed for first-degree rape will be sentenced for good behavior. I voted in favor of a bill that would prohibit people from having their sentences commuted. Mr. LaPerre’s wife and Mr. Pava’s mother, Caroline, sits on the left, and the bill’s sponsor, Congresswoman Elizabeth Embry, sits on the right. (AP Photo/Brian Witte)
The bill, sponsored by Baltimore Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Embry, would require approval from the state parole board before someone serving a sentence for first-degree rape can be considered for early release. This provision already applies to those convicted of sex crimes against victims under the age of 16.
“Please pass the bill,” said Caroline. “It’s that simple. What I would also like to add is that there are so many victims who cannot or will not have the opportunity to speak to you.”
While she acknowledged how difficult it was to testify, she said supporting this bill was an important mission to serve Pava’s legacy and support efforts to prevent violence. .
Pava Marie Laperre was found dead of blunt force trauma in her Baltimore apartment in September 2023. (Pava Lapere/X)
Frank added: “I don’t want another family to ever have to identify my daughter’s nearly unrecognizable body again.”
Murder of Baltimore Tech CEO, new victim of progressive criminal justice, experts say
Senate President Bill Ferguson said Tuesday he believes there is enough support to change the law.
“I think there’s good reason, especially in first-degree rape cases, to take a special look at credit reductions and make sure that what happened last year never happens again,” Ferguson said.
Convicted rapist Jason Billingsley, 32, violently attacked a couple, set their house on fire, and killed local tech CEO Pava Laperre in her apartment days later. He has been charged with suspicion. (Baltimore Police Department)
Governor Wes Moore, who knew Mr. LaPerle, also expressed support for changing the law.
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LaPerre was named to Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 list for social influence in 2023.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
