Baltimore, Maryland – A survivor of a brutal attack, April Hurley, has decided to speak out about the horrific incident for the first time. Hurley endured a harrowing experience that included a sexual assault, throat slashing, and being set on fire. The suspect, identified as Jason Billingsley, 32, was reportedly a maintenance worker at the property where the attack took place and was acquainted with his victims. Billingsley faces charges relating to rape, attempted murder, and arson that occurred on Edmondson Avenue on September 19. In a tragic turn of events, he was later charged with the murder of Pava LaPere, a tech CEO from Baltimore.
Delving into the details of the case, Hurley, accompanied by her legal representatives, announced a civil lawsuit against Billingsley, the property manager of the apartment complex, Eden’s Homes, and the property owner, Property Pals LLC. Hurley expressed her gratitude for being alive in the face of adversity, stating, “The fact that I am sitting here is honestly a miracle. Sometimes, it’s still unbelievable that I am here. Jason Billingsley literally tried to take my life.” Billingsley is currently awaiting trial, with court documents alleging that he tied up and sexually assaulted Hurley before engaging in a violent act that also involved another individual, Jonte Gilmore.
According to attorneys involved in the case, negligence in hiring practices is a focal point, as they argue that the property owner and manager failed to conduct a thorough background check on Billingsley. The legal team emphasized that proper vetting could have prevented the tragic events that unfolded. Billingsley was apprehended in September 2023 after evading authorities for over 24 hours following accusations of LaPere’s murder. The timeline of events surrounding LaPere’s disappearance and subsequent death were outlined by Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Not limited to Hurley’s case, Billingsley faces allegations in four separate criminal incidents, showcasing a pattern of concerning behavior. Despite the severity of the charges against him, a second victim in the case, Gilmore, was notably absent from the recent news conference. As per court records, Gilmore is currently in Central Booking facing charges of attempted murder in an unrelated case. The developments in this ongoing case continue to shed light on the importance of vigilance in hiring practices and the need for thorough investigations into individuals’ backgrounds to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.