Baltimore – A survivor of a brutal attack last year in West Baltimore is filing a lawsuit against Jason Billingsley, the man accused of assaulting her and later killing tech CEO Pava LaPere, along with the property company that employed him. April Hurley, who endured a horrific ordeal in her home, is seeking compensatory damages from Eden’s Homes and Property Pals for negligence in hiring the convicted felon.
Hurley was found bound, sexually assaulted, with her throat slashed, and set on fire along with another individual in the attack. Both managed to survive after being rescued by neighbors from a basement window. Billingsley, a convicted felon and registered sex offender, had been released on parole in 2022 after serving time for a previous sexual assault.
The following day, an arrest warrant was issued for Billingsley following Hurley’s account of the attack. A few days later, Pava LaPere, the CEO of tech company EcoMap, was tragically found beaten to death in her apartment. Billingsley was identified as a suspect and captured after a manhunt in Bowie.
Hurley, represented by prominent civil rights attorney William “Billy” Murphy Jr., addressed the public at a press conference, expressing her disbelief in surviving the vicious attack. The lawsuit against the companies includes claims of negligent hiring, premises liability, and breach of lease. Hurley’s visible neck injuries served as a reminder of the trauma she endured.
Billingsley’s premature release from prison due to diminution credits raised concerns about the adequacy of background checks. Hurley’s attorney emphasized that a simple background check could have prevented such a horrific incident from occurring. Legislation proposed in memory of LaPere sought to eliminate diminution credits for serious offenders but was not passed.
Issues surrounding the police response to the incidents were also questioned as Hurley’s attorney raised concerns about the delay in informing the public about the crimes. Baltimore Police defended their actions, stating that the attack was not considered random due to the assailant’s previous access to the premises. Worley’s refusal to speculate on the connection between the delayed information release and LaPere’s murder sparked further criticism.
In light of the tragic events and the subsequent legal actions, the community awaits the outcome of Billingsley’s trial, scheduled for August 26. The ongoing discussions about accountability, public safety, and law enforcement response highlight the complexities of addressing and preventing violent crimes in Baltimore.