A Texas mother is reportedly accused of providing her children with weapons and military gear in return for babysitting, which allegedly inspired her son to seek notoriety through “large target violence” during his middle school years.
Police have arrested 33-year-old Ashley Pardo, known for her purple hair and facial tattoos, on allegations of assisting in a plot to carry out “large-scale targeted violence” at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio, as detailed in an affidavit.
On the same day of the arrest, the boy’s grandmother discovered that he had been trying to strike a live bullet with a hammer. When questioned about it, he mentioned that his mother had given him the bullet and stated she kept a gun and ammunition at home.
After that, the grandmother searched the boy’s room and uncovered a makeshift IED made from mortar-style fireworks wrapped in duct tape and a rifle, along with a magazine containing live ammunition for both a rifle and a pistol.
She also found handwritten notes referencing mass shootings and detailing the number of suspects and victims. Disturbingly, one note included the name of the shooter responsible for the 2019 mosque attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, coupled with Nazi references and the phrase “14 words.”
Before heading to school, the boy reportedly told his grandmother he would “be famous,” indicating a troubling desire for notoriety. That morning, he arrived at school dressed in a mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants.
According to the principal of Rhodes Middle School, Ferrismina Martinez, the boy was detained off-campus and charged with terrorism. She communicated with parents about the situation, emphasizing the school’s commitment to addressing potential threats seriously to ensure safety.
Law enforcement began investigating the boy back in January, prompted by concerns from school staff regarding disturbing drawings, including maps labeled as “suicide routes.” He had also apparently researched the Christchurch shooting on a school laptop.
In April, he faced suspension after the incident involving the Christchurch Mosque shooting, which was followed by an attempted suicide that required significant medical treatment.
The boy had been transferred to another school until May before returning to Rhodes Middle School recently. The affidavit indicates that Pardo was aware of her son’s actions and had communicated with local authorities, child protection services, and school officials regarding his behavior.
Pardo, who reportedly dismissed her son’s alarming actions, was released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 17th.
