News Summary
Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old mother from San Antonio, was arrested after allegedly helping her 13-year-old son plan a school violence act. The incident involved disturbing drawings, tactical gear, and a homemade explosive device. Authorities charged her with aiding in terrorism, marking a significant case in Bexar County. The school had previously raised concerns regarding the boy’s behavior, leading to an investigation that uncovered alarming evidence. Pardo has since been released on bond and faces a pre-indictment hearing.
San Antonio, Texas – Mother Arrested for Aiding Son’s School Violence Plot
A 33-year-old mother, Ashley Pardo, was arrested on May 11, 2025, after allegedly assisting her 13-year-old son in planning a violent act against his middle school. Authorities charged Pardo with one count of aiding in the commission of terrorism. This incident marks the first terrorism charge recorded in Bexar County, Texas.
Pardo’s home was searched by law enforcement officials, revealing tactical gear and ammunition that her son had purportedly acquired with her help. Reports indicate that Pardo exchanged purchase support for babysitting her son’s younger siblings. The items found included a tactical vest, tactical helmet, and ammunition magazines, all of which raised significant concerns about the boy’s intentions.
The investigation into the child’s behavior began earlier in the year, initiated when school staff discovered a disturbing drawing of a map labeled “suicide route.” The map featured a rifle positioned above the name of Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio. Upon questioning, the boy admitted to having a troubling fascination with previous mass shooters and their manifestos.
Child Protective Services soon became involved with the family following the discovery of the drawing. In April, the boy was suspended from school for researching the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings on a school-issued computer, an incident that triggered further alarm among school officials and law enforcement. After his suspension, the child attempted suicide, leading to his transfer to an alternative school. He had just returned to Jeremiah Rhodes on May 8.
The situation escalated when the boy reportedly arrived at school on the day of his arrest wearing a mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants. He left the school shortly after arrival. Concerned for her grandson’s safety, the boy’s grandmother alerted the police after discovering him in possession of a live bullet and a hammer. Reports indicate that Pardo had taken him to military surplus stores to purchase tactical gear.
Authorities conducted a thorough search of the boy’s bedroom, where they discovered a homemade explosive device constructed from a mortar-style firework. This device featured references to Brenton Tarrant, the shooter in the Christchurch attacks, along with symbols indicating associations with white supremacy, such as “SS” and “14 words.”
When approached by law enforcement and school officials, Pardo showed little concern for her son’s violent behavior and disturbing drawings, which raised further questions about her awareness and involvement. Following the grandmother’s report, police acted quickly to detain the boy to prevent any potential harm.
Pardo posted a $75,000 bond and was released from custody on May 12, 2025. She is currently under strict bail conditions that require her to wear a GPS monitoring device, remain at home, submit to weekly drug and alcohol testing, and refrain from possessing firearms. A pre-indictment hearing for Pardo is scheduled for July 17, 2025.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in schools and the critical role that parental involvement plays in addressing potentially harmful behavior. As the investigation continues, local authorities remain vigilant to prevent any further incidents of violence within the community.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT
- Wikipedia: Bexar County, Texas
- KENS5
- Google Search: Terrorism charge in Bexar County
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Youth violence in schools
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christchurch mosque shootings
- USA Today
- Google News: Youth violence
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
