News Summary
Ashley Pardo, a San Antonio mother, was arrested for allegedly assisting her son in a school shooting plan. The 13-year-old boy faces terrorism charges after his online posts prompted an investigation. Authorities found a loaded rifle and an improvised explosive device at their home. The case raises serious concerns about parental responsibility and addressing youth violence in schools as educational institutions seek to enhance safety and mental health support.
San Antonio Mother Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Son’s School Shooting Plot
San Antonio, Texas – Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old mother, was arrested on May 12, 2025, on charges of aiding in the commission of terrorism after allegedly assisting her 13-year-old son in planning a school shooting. Pardo’s bail has been set at $75,000.
Pardo’s son, a student at Rhodes Middle School, is facing charges of terrorism in connection with the plot. The investigation into the boy’s intentions began when the San Antonio Independent School District Police Department examined his online posts, leading to his off-campus detention. The school’s principal, Felismina Martinez, has reassured families that the school takes such threats seriously and prioritizes student safety.
Key Details of the Investigation
On the day of his detention, Pardo’s son reportedly arrived at school dressed in a mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants, before leaving the campus. Authorities had previously noted the boy’s concerning behavior, which included a “fascination” with mass shooters and drawings depicting a map of the school with a “suicide route.”
In January, law enforcement had reached out to Pardo’s son regarding violent drawings he had made. Further concerns arose when, in April, he used a school-issued computer to research the Christchurch mosque shootings. Following a series of troubling incidents, Pardo’s son was suspended and subsequently placed in an alternative school until his return to Rhodes Middle School on May 7.
Security Measures and Findings
Due to ongoing concerns regarding the boy’s behavior, the school implemented a security plan. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered a loaded rifle and an improvised explosive device at Pardo’s home, which belonged to her son. Reports indicate that Pardo was described as “dismissive” of her son’s behavior, despite him being in contact with law enforcement and child protective services.
Investigators suspect that Ashley Pardo may have facilitated her son’s violent intentions by providing assistance in acquiring materials used in other instances of mass violence. The gravity of the situation has raised concerns among parents and officials regarding the challenge of identifying and addressing such threats within educational settings.
Background Context
School shootings have become a persistent issue in the United States, leading to widespread calls for enhanced security measures and mental health support in school environments. The San Antonio incident is part of a growing concern about youth involvement in violence and the role that parents and guardians play in such situations. When families are involved in troubling behaviors exhibited by minors, the community and law enforcement agencies find themselves navigating the complexities of mental health and safety in schools.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures among educators, law enforcement, and families to safeguard students and prevent potential tragedies. The ongoing investigation into Ashley Pardo’s actions and her son’s behavior will likely prompt further discussions about parental responsibility and intervention in youth behavior amid rising concerns over school-based violence.
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Current: Mom Accused of Buying Gear for Son’s School Shooting
- New York Times: Texas Mom Arrested in School Shooting Case
- KSAT: Overview of San Antonio’s Homicides
- San Antonio Express-News: Mother and Son Linked to School Threats
- Wikipedia: School Shooting
- Google Search: School Shooting Prevention
