A 33-year-old Texas woman has been charged with helping her teenage son plan a mass shooting at his former middle school, after the boy’s grandmother discovered a cache of weapons and alerted authorities.
Ashley Pardo, of San Antonio, is accused of providing material support to her 14-year-old son in connection with an alleged plot to carry out an armed assault on Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Prosecutors say Pardo agreed to assist the teen in exchange for him helping care for his younger brother.
The teen, whose name has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody after he arrived at the school wearing military-style clothing and a mask, then abruptly left campus—a move that heightened fears of an imminent attack.
According to investigators, the boy had stockpiled firearms, ammunition, and a homemade device, along with drawings and symbols linked to extremist and white supremacist ideologies. Among the items discovered in his bedroom were insignias resembling those of Nazi Germany, including the “SS” symbol.
“He told his grandmother, ‘I’m going to be famous,’” an affidavit states, suggesting he intended to carry out a high-profile act of violence.
The grandmother, whose name has not been released, contacted authorities after uncovering the disturbing materials. She also reported that the teen had created a detailed sketch of the school titled “suicide street,” and that his mother had not only seen the drawing but expressed no concern.
Pardo allegedly purchased tactical gear and ammunition for her son, and failed to report or intervene in his increasingly violent behavior.
School principal Felismina Martinez addressed parents in a statement, saying the student “was detained off-campus and is being charged with terrorism. Student safety remains our top priority.”
Following a prior suspension, the teenager reportedly attempted suicide and was hospitalized. He is now enrolled in an alternative education program.
Pardo was released on $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 17. The investigation remains ongoing.
