SAN ANTONIO, TX – A San Antonio mother, previously charged in connection with her son’s alleged plan to commit a mass shooting at a local middle school, is now facing a new accusation involving a firearm and an infant.
Ashley Pardo, 33, reportedly pointed a shotgun at an 11-month-old girl and sent a photo of the incident to the child’s father, authorities said. The latest allegation emerged during the police investigation into Pardo’s earlier arrest in May, when she was charged with aiding her 13-year-old son’s efforts to plan an attack at Rhodes Middle School.
Investigators say the disturbing photo was uncovered on Pardo’s cellphone. In the image, taken in March 2023, Pardo is alleged to have aimed a shotgun at the baby as she appeared to gesture toward the barrel. Along with the photo, Pardo allegedly sent a text message to the baby’s father stating, “Tell her to keep being bad,” suggesting disciplinary motives.
Authorities stated that Pardo’s finger rested on the trigger when the image was captured. The arrest affidavit quotes additional messages in which Pardo referred to the infant as a “brat,” further intensifying concerns over child safety in the household.
Pardo was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with child endangerment by criminal negligence. She appeared before a Bexar County magistrate judge the next day, where her bond was set at $45,000. The court issued a no-contact order between Pardo and her children, and she remains under conditions outlined in both her current and prior cases.
Previously, Pardo faced a $75,000 bond and was placed on partial house arrest following allegations that she purchased tactical gear and ammunition for her adolescent son. Police apprehended the teen near Rhodes Middle School in May, suspecting imminent violence.
During their investigation, law enforcement reportedly found evidence on the boy’s devices indicating a fascination with mass shootings and extremist ideologies. The teen initially faced a terrorism-related charge, but that count was later amended to possession of a prohibited weapon. Additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues, and he is reportedly still held in juvenile custody.
Officials said concerns had been raised as early as January, when school staff reportedly flagged drawings made by the boy depicting violent imagery and escape routes for an attack. Further alarm was raised in April, leading to the boy’s suspension and transfer to an alternative school after he allegedly researched the 2019 New Zealand mosque shootings on a school-issued computer.
On the day of the attempted attack in May, police say the teen told his grandmother of his intention to “be famous,” further heightening the sense of urgency surrounding the case.
Pardo has previously been described as supportive of her son’s violent tendencies, with police noting that she had endorsed his disturbing expressions and artwork to school authorities.
Local law enforcement continues to review the circumstances surrounding both the mother’s and son’s actions, stating that the safety of children remains their top priority as the legal process unfolds.