Texas Mother Charged with Supporting Planned School Violence

A Texas mother, 33-year-old Ashley Pardo, has been charged after being accused of buying ammunition and tactical gear intended for a significant act of violence at her son’s junior high school. Authorities have not disclosed the age or name of her son, but typically, middle school students range from 11 to 14 years old.

The affidavit, which was obtained from ABC News, states that Pardo is facing charges for “supporting the commission of terrorism.” This follows allegations that she provided her son with ammunition and tactical equipment as he planned an act of violence at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio.

The concerns surrounding Pardo began in January when she reportedly reacted to her son’s drawings, which depicted a map of the school labeled “Suicide Route,” accompanied by images of a weapon. This led authorities to intervene, but details about the interactions were initially vague.

In a troubling development, it seems the boy had been researching the 2019 Christchurch shooting in New Zealand. The affidavit mentions that he attempted suicide shortly after this discovery, resulting in serious injuries requiring over 100 stitches.

“He was then stopped and attempted suicide after that day,” the affidavit stated.

Subsequent to these events, the boy was placed in alternative schooling until early May. His grandmother, who was limited in her interactions with him, contacted the police after she found him striking a live bullet with a hammer. Upon questioning, the boy revealed that his mother provided him with the bullet and mentioned having firearms and ammunition at home.

The grandmother learned that Pardo had taken the boy to a surplus store to buy magazines for the weapons. Alarmingly, he also expressed to her that he would soon “be famous.” A search of his room uncovered more magazines with live ammunition.

Authorities noted that Pardo seemed aware of her son’s troubling tendencies, pointing out that she overlooked concerning drawings and violent expressions, yet continued buying equipment for him in exchange for babysitting duties for his younger brother.

Recently, staff at Rhodes Middle School reported that Pardo’s son arrived wearing a camouflage jacket, mask, and tactical pants. In a letter to parents, Principal Ferrismina Martinez stated that the boy was placed in off-campus detention and charged with terrorism.

“We take all potential threats seriously and act swiftly to protect our community,” Martinez emphasized in her message.

Pardo has since been released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 17 for a pre-trial hearing.