News Summary
A 13-year-old student accused of plotting an attack at Rhodes Middle School remains in custody. Legal troubles intensify for the boy’s mother, who allegedly provided him with tactical gear and ammunition. The situation raises concerns about school safety and guardian responsibilities. A series of alarming behaviors from the minor led to police involvement, and upcoming court dates will address the charges against both the student and his mother.
San Antonio, Texas – A 13-year-old student accused of plotting an attack at Rhodes Middle School remains in custody following a court appearance on Wednesday. This marks the third time the minor has been brought before a judge since his arrest outside the school while wearing tactical gear.
During the court proceedings, the boy’s defense attorney contended that wearing such clothing was typical for him. In a request to be released into the care of his grandmother, who expressed her readiness to take responsibility for him, the judge ultimately decided that the boy would remain in custody. The next court date has been set for June 26, at which time prosecutors are expected to present evidence.
The situation has escalated as the boy’s mother, Ashley Pardo, 33, faces legal troubles of her own. She is accused of purchasing ammunition and tactical gear for her son as part of his preparations for the alleged attack. A previous court hearing on May 30 modified Pardo’s bond conditions, allowing her to return to work but preventing her from contacting her son or having any communication with schools.
Concerns regarding the boy’s behavior emerged after he created alarming drawings depicting Rhodes Middle School, including a “suicide route” map. This behavior attracted the attention of a San Antonio police detective who began an investigation. In April, the student was suspended for researching the 2019 New Zealand mosque shootings on his school-issued computer before being placed in an alternative educational setting. He later returned to Rhodes in May amid increased security measures due to ongoing worries about his conduct.
A troubling pattern of behavior has prompted the boy to live intermittently with his grandmother. She reported alarming incidents, including finding him hammering a live bullet, which led to increased scrutiny. According to the affidavit, the boy admitted to obtaining ammunition from his mother, who allegedly exchanged these items for babysitting services. He reportedly expressed a desire to be “famous” and made references to “14 words,” a phrase associated with white supremacy, prior to attending school on the day he was arrested.
Following a search of his room, authorities discovered loaded magazines, an improvised explosive device, and other materials suggesting the potential for violence. Pardo’s accusations include aiding in the commission of terrorism, as she allegedly supported her son’s violent tendencies and facilitated his access to dangerous items.
According to law enforcement, Pardo knowingly purchased these items with awareness of their potential for use in criminal activities, significantly elevating the threat level to the school community. Reports of the boy’s troubling behavior had reached school officials, police, and child protective services before his arrest.
The next scheduled hearing for Pardo is set for July 17. Following her arrest, she was released after posting a $75,000 bond.
School Principal Felismina Martinez reassured parents in a letter that every potential threat is taken seriously to ensure the safety of both students and staff. This case has raised significant concerns regarding school safety protocols and the responsibility of guardians in preventing such incidents.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5 News
- Express News
- BBC News
- The New York Times
- CNN
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Google Search: School Violence
- Google Scholar: School Safety Measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Violence
- Google News: School Shooting Alerts
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.
