News Summary
Ashley Pardo, a mother from Texas, has been arrested for allegedly assisting her 13-year-old son in planning a violent attack at his middle school. Pardo is accused of purchasing ammunition and tactical gear for her son, who previously expressed intentions of committing a school shooting. The chilling revelations emerged after his grandmother notified authorities about his disturbing behavior and findings at home, which included a homemade explosive and materials related to mass shooters. This case raises critical questions about parental responsibility in preventing youth violence in schools.
San Antonio, Texas – A Texas mother, 33-year-old Ashley Pardo, has been arrested for allegedly aiding her 13-year-old son in planning a violent attack at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Pardo faces charges for buying ammunition and tactical gear for her son in exchange for babysitting his younger siblings, despite being aware of his disturbing obsession with violence.
Authorities became alarmed after Pardo’s son expressed intentions of conducting a school shooting. Reports indicate that he had told his grandmother he was “going to be famous.” On May 12, the boy arrived at school dressed in a mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants but left shortly after when school officials were unable to locate him.
Concerns escalated when his grandmother discovered loaded rifle and pistol magazines, a homemade explosive, and a letter listing names of mass shooters alongside their number of victims. The homemade explosive was reportedly inscribed with the name “Brenton Tarrant” and featured references to White supremacist symbols, including the phrase “14 words” and “SS” symbols. Alarmed by these findings, his grandmother notified law enforcement, which triggered an immediate response from authorities and school officials.
Prior to these events, the boy exhibited troubling behavior, such as drawing maps labeled “suicide route” and demonstrating a fascination with previous mass shooters. He had been suspended in April for researching mass shootings online and had attempted suicide after being caught with a straight razor. Upon returning from an alternative school in May, he was placed under a security plan due to fears concerning potential violence.
Pardo has been charged with one count of aiding in the commission of terrorism and has since been released on a $75,000 bond with GPS monitoring. School and police officials remarked that they had no option but to allow the boy back into school after he completed his required time at the alternative educational institution.
Law enforcement described Pardo’s actions as “abhorrent,” noting her apparent dismissal of her son’s concerning behavior. The prosecution of Pardo could mark a significant legal milestone, as it is one of the first cases in which a parent is facing serious charges prior to a child’s violent act. The case raises crucial questions about parental responsibility in preventing youth violence.
San Antonio’s case is reflective of a broader national concern regarding gun violence in schools, particularly given that Texas has recorded the most school shootings of any state since 2008, with at least 63 incidents to date. Police Chief William McManus has emphasized the necessity of reporting warning signs of violent behavior to prevent potential tragedies in schools and communities.
Both Pardo and her son are scheduled to appear in court, with Pardo’s next hearing set for July 17. The impacts of this case will likely resonate throughout the community and may have implications for future cases involving parental involvement in school violence.
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Texas Mom Arrested
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- New York Times: Texas Mom Arrested for School Shooting Planning
- Google Search: San Antonio school shooting
- Statesman: Rhodes Middle School Attack
- Google Scholar: School Violence Parental Responsibility
- Express News: San Antonio Mother and Son School Threat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Shootings
- Washington Post: Mother Arrested in School Shooting Case
- Google News: Texas school shooting
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.
