A Texas mother, Ashley Pardo, 33, was arrested on Friday, July 31, 2025, after police accused her of aiding her 13-year-old son in planning a violent school shooting at his middle school in San Antonio. Pardo’s arrest comes after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of her involvement in her son’s chilling plans for violence, including purchasing ammunition, tactical gear, and loaded gun magazines to prepare for the attack.

Police also revealed that Pardo had allegedly sent a photograph to a man showing her holding a shotgun close to a toddler’s head, with her finger near the trigger area. In the message, she referred to the child as a “brat,” raising further alarm about her disturbing behavior.

Authorities later discovered a troubling array of items in her home, including:

• A homemade explosive device

• Tactical vests and helmets

• Notes detailing violent attacks and mass shooters

• White supremacist symbols and slogans

The evidence points to a deeply concerning pattern of behavior from both Pardo and her son, whose violent tendencies had long been a cause for concern.

The Son’s Disturbing Behavior: A History of Violent Tendencies

Pardo’s son, whose identity has not been released, had shown a long history of troubling behavior that authorities were monitoring. According to reports, he had previously attempted to hurt himself, set fires, and conducted research into past mass shootings using a school laptop. The boy reportedly made disturbing maps of his middle school, writing “suicide route” on them, and expressed admiration for past violent attackers. He even told his grandmother that he wanted to be “famous” like a previous school shooter.

School officials were reportedly aware of the threats made by the boy and had taken them seriously. He had been placed in an alternative program as a result of his behavior but was allowed to return to class in May. However, just days later, he appeared on campus wearing military-style clothes, left the school grounds, and was subsequently arrested.

Pardo’s Role: Allegedly Enabling the Attack

Ashley Pardo’s role in her son’s plan was significant. Authorities allege that she not only bought ammunition, tactical gear, and firearms-related equipment but also actively assisted in his preparation for the violent attack. In addition to providing him with these materials, she reportedly encouraged his admiration for past shooters and allowed him to create violent maps and notes.

The image Pardo sent to the man, featuring her holding a shotgun close to the toddler’s head, adds to the deeply disturbing nature of the case. Investigators suggest that this image and her involvement in her son’s plans indicate a troubling disregard for both her son’s well-being and that of others around her.

The Arrest and Charges

Pardo was arrested on July 31, 2025, and charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Child Endangerment

• Assisting in the Planning of a Mass Shooting

• Possessing Explosive Devices

• Possessing Firearms and Ammunition While Unlawfully Assisting in Violent Activities

She is currently being held on a $45,000 bond, and as part of her bail conditions, she has been banned from contacting her children. If convicted, Pardo could face several years in prison for her involvement in the crime and her alleged enabling of her son’s violent tendencies.

The Community’s Shock and Reactions

The shocking nature of the case has left the San Antonio community in disbelief. Local residents have expressed concern about how a mother could assist her child in planning such a violent act, especially given the alarming history of the boy’s behavior. The case has reignited discussions about the role of parents in recognizing and addressing warning signs of violence in children, as well as the broader issue of mental health and violent tendencies among young people.

“It’s terrifying to think that a mother would actively help her son prepare for something so horrible,” said one local resident. “We need to be more aware of what’s happening in our schools and homes, and take threats like this seriously before it’s too late.”

A Warning About Domestic Violence and Gun Access

This case also highlights the dangers of unrestricted access to firearms and the importance of responsible gun ownership. Pardo’s ability to purchase and provide ammunition and firearms to her son raises questions about oversight and regulation, particularly when minors or individuals with troubling behavior are involved.

“Access to firearms by those who are mentally unstable or inclined toward violence is a recipe for disaster,” said one gun safety advocate. “We must ensure that firearms are kept out of the hands of those who might use them to harm themselves or others.”

The Future of Pardo’s Son: Questions About Rehabilitation and Support

The future of Pardo’s son is now uncertain. While he has been arrested and removed from the school, the question of how to address his violent behavior remains. He is now under the care of authorities, and the case will likely involve extensive psychological evaluations and potentially long-term rehabilitation efforts.

Mental health experts emphasize the importance of early intervention for individuals displaying violent tendencies and believe that proper treatment and counseling may be critical for his future. The community will undoubtedly continue to follow the case closely, with many hoping that it sparks broader efforts to provide support for young people at risk of violence.

Conclusion: A Family’s Tragic Failure and a Community in Crisis

Ashley Pardo’s arrest for her involvement in planning a mass shooting with her 13-year-old son has left a lasting impact on both her family and the San Antonio community. The case underscores the complexities of domestic violence, mental health, and the alarming behavior exhibited by the young boy, who now faces the consequences of his mother’s enabling actions.

As the investigation continues, there are growing calls for more comprehensive programs to address mental health and violence prevention in schools and families. The hope is that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for society to take a stronger stance on protecting vulnerable children from the consequences of violence and neglect.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.