Jason Billingsley, 32, had a lengthy criminal history that dated back to 2009, including charges of attempted rape, armed robbery, and false imprisonment. In 2013, he was arrested and later pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offense. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended, for the violent rape of a woman at knifepoint.

However, in October 2022, Billingsley was released from prison after serving only nine years and three months of his sentence. He was able to take advantage of Maryland's diminution credit system, which allows inmates to reduce their incarceration time through good behavior and program participation.

Under this system, Maryland inmates can earn up to 30 days per month in credit, while those serving sentences for violent crimes, large drug offenses, or sex offenses can receive up to 20 days per month. Billingsley was able to accumulate enough credits to trigger his mandatory release, cutting his sentence by more than half.

This early release has raised concerns among many, considering Billingsley's violent and repetitive history. Critics question why a convicted rapist was eligible for such credits and whether he should have been released at all. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed his disapproval, stating, "Rapists shouldn't be let out early. Period."

In addition to the rape conviction, Billingsley had previously pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and second-degree assault in 2009 and 2011, respectively. He also had a history of other violent incidents, including punching an ex-girlfriend in the face in 2010 and robbing a man of $10 in 2009.

Moreover, just days before LaPere's murder, Billingsley was suspected of handcuffing and raping another woman, whom he also allegedly set on fire along with a male companion. This earlier attack was not made public by the Baltimore police, sparking further questions about whether LaPere's death could have been prevented.

LaPere, a 26-year-old tech entrepreneur and CEO of EcoMap Technologies, was found beaten to death on the roof of her apartment building. Her body was discovered six days after the earlier attack, but police believe she may have been killed on Friday.

The arrest of Jason Billingsley in connection with LaPere's murder has intensified the debate surrounding the diminution credit system. Advocates argue that it provides incentives for rehabilitation and contributes to prison safety. However, critics argue that violent offenders like Billingsley should not be eligible for early release, regardless of their behavior behind bars.

The case has also shed light on the Justice Reinvestment Act, a criminal justice reform initiative passed in 2011 that many states, including Maryland, have adopted. This act, developed by activists connected to groups like the Safety and Justice Action Fund and George Soros' Open Society Foundation, aims to reduce prison populations and promote prison reform.

As the investigation continues and the public grapples with the implications of the diminution credit system, there are calls for a reevaluation of the eligibility criteria and a closer examination of the potential risks associated with early release for violent offenders.