Baltimore Jury Awards $21.5 Million to Arson Assault Victims

A Baltimore jury on November 26, 2025 awarded $21.5 million to April Hurley and Jonte Gilmore, two West Baltimore residents who were attacked and set on fire in September 2023 by Jason Billingsley, a maintenance worker at their apartment building. The attacks happened days before Billingsley later killed Baltimore tech entrepreneur Pava LaPere. Billingsley pleaded guilty to the LaPere murder and to the assaults on Hurley and Gilmore and was sentenced to life in prison.

Hurley and Gilmore sued Eden's Homes LLC and Property Pals LLC, alleging negligent hiring and landlord negligence for failing to conduct background checks on Billingsley before employing him in tenant-facing roles. Their attorney, state Del. Malcolm Ruff, said the jury's verdict, which includes substantial punitive and compensatory awards, sends a strong message about landlord responsibility for tenant safety.

The jury ordered $21.5 million in total damages. That award included $10 million in punitive damages and more than $1.5 million specifically identified for medical expenses. The remaining $11.5 million represents compensatory damages for pain, suffering, lost earnings and other harms identified by the plaintiffs. The defendants indicated they plan to appeal the verdict.

The case brings renewed attention to negligent hiring claims and tenant safety in Baltimore City, where residents and advocates have long pushed for stronger accountability from landlords and property managers. Civil actions against management companies often hinge on whether reasonable background checks and supervision were conducted for employees who interact with tenants. Legal experts say large verdicts can prompt property owners and managers to tighten hiring practices, increase oversight of contractors and adjust insurance coverage to protect against similar liabilities.

For residents of Baltimore, the verdict underscores practical risks in rental housing and the potential legal consequences when property managers fail to vet staff. Tenants, tenant advocates and city officials may use the case to press for clearer standards on employee screening and for greater transparency from property managers about safety practices. As the appeal process unfolds, landlords and property management firms will be watching closely for signals about future litigation risk and for possible shifts in industry norms around hiring and supervision.