Camilla Jessen
Mom helped Texas teen plan mass school shooting.
A 13-year-old boy from San Antonio, Texas, has been arrested and charged after allegedly plotting a mass shooting at his middle school.
Authorities say the boy’s mother, Ashley Pardo, aided him in preparing for the attack.
Target: Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School
The teen had been planning an attack at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School, located just minutes from downtown San Antonio.
On May 12, he arrived on campus dressed in a face mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants, but left shortly after.
It wasn’t long before authorities intervened.
Tip-off Prevents Tragedy
It was the boy’s grandmother who alerted police, saying her grandson had made disturbing comments about becoming “famous” before leaving for school that morning.
Police responded quickly, and what they found at the family’s residence was alarming: maps labeled “suicide route,” lists of mass shooters, white supremacist symbols, and even a homemade explosive device.
Mother Bought Tactical Gear for Son
Court documents reveal that Ashley Pardo, 33, took her son to a military surplus store where she purchased tactical gear, ammunition, and magazines for him, reportedly as a “reward” for babysitting his younger siblings.
She now faces charges of aiding in the commission of terrorism, making her the first person in Bexar County to be charged under this statute.
Disturbing Photo Leads to Additional Charges
The case against Pardo intensified after police found a photo of her holding a shotgun to her infant daughter’s head, finger on the trigger guard.
She had allegedly sent the image to the baby’s father, referring to the child as a “brat.”
This resulted in an additional charge of child endangerment.
Pardo was arrested again on August 1 and ordered to wear an ankle monitor, with no contact allowed with her children. Her bond was set at $45,000.
Teen Faces Terrorism Charges; Judge Denies Bail
The 13-year-old is currently facing charges of possessing a prohibited weapon, with more charges expected.
Despite his grandmother’s plea to have him released into her custody under GPS monitoring, a judge denied the request, citing the teen as a clear public safety threat.
His next court appearance is scheduled for August 7.
Outrage Over School’s Handling of Threat
According to Newsner, parents have expressed anger and frustration at how Rhodes Middle School handled the incident, criticizing the school’s use of Facebook as the primary means of communication.
“This should not be the only way to communicate something like this,” one parent wrote.
Another added, “The tone of this letter sounds like Rhodes had something simple as an electrical issue, not a possible mass shooting being intervened.”
Police Chief Calls Mother’s Behavior “Abhorrent”
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus condemned Ashley Pardo’s conduct, describing her demeanor during questioning as “dismissive and unconcerned.”
He added, “Her behavior is abhorrent, especially as a parent.”
Authorities continue their investigation, and given the seriousness of the charges, the teen could face trial as an adult.
