Mom allegedly bought ammo, tactical gear for 13-year-old son who has ‘fascination’ with mass shooters

SAN ANTONIO (TCN) — Police arrested a 33-year-old woman for reportedly purchasing ammunition and tactical gear for her teen son, who showed up to school wearing a mask and the gear.

According to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, the juvenile suspect came to the department’s attention when he was found “drawing disturbing images of his school and expressing a fascination with mass shootings.” Police met with the teen’s family and shared resources with them, but his mother, Ashely Pardo, allegedly “appeared dismissive and unconcerned with her son’s behavior.”

In January, school officials found him “drawing violent pictures.” KSAT-TV, which cites Pardo’s arrest affidavit, reports the drawing included the school’s name with a rifle next to it and a map of campus labeled “suicide route.”

The teen was suspended in April for using a school-issued computer to research the shooting at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed 51 people and injured dozens more in 2019. He returned to Rhodes Middle School on May 8 after spending time at an alternative campus. When he got back, police increased security and maintained contact with his family.

On May 11, three days after he went back to school, one of the teen’s relatives reportedly saw him holding a live bullet. The teen allegedly said Pardo bought him the bullet and other tactical gear. The relative reportedly found loaded magazines and an improvised explosive device the next day, so they called police. McManus said the teen showed up to school on May 12 wearing tactical gear and a mask, but “left shortly thereafter.” Police obtained a warrant and located the teen, who was arrested on a terrorism charge.

The relative who contacted police implicated Pardo, and she was taken into custody for aiding in commission of terrorism. That’s the first time someone has been charged with the crime in Bexar County since it went into effect in 2023.

McManus described officers finding “very disturbing things” inside Pardo’s home, including swastikas. He said that discovery “was an indication that we needed to move quickly.”

Pardo was released after posting her $75,000 bond, but her son remains in custody.

McManus said, “Her behavior is not only dangerous, it’s abhorrent — especially as a parent.”

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