Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old woman from San Antonio, Texas, has been arrested on new charges after a disturbing investigation revealed that she allegedly pointed a shotgun at an 11-month-old baby and sent a threatening photo to the child’s father.
This arrest comes just months after Pardo was initially charged with aiding her son’s plan for a mass shooting at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio.
Details of the New Allegations
Pardo was arrested on May 12, 2024, and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after she allegedly bought tactical gear and ammunition for her 13-year-old son, who was later found near the school with evidence of planning a mass shooting.
Her son remains in custody. However, new charges were filed against Pardo following an investigation that uncovered disturbing photos from March 2023, where she allegedly aimed the barrel of a shotgun at the head of an 11-month-old girl.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local ABC affiliate KSAT, Pardo sent the photo to the child’s father with a text reading, “Tell her to keep being bad.” In the image, Pardo’s finger was reportedly on the shotgun’s trigger as the baby reached toward the weapon.
Details of the Original Case
In addition to the new charges related to the baby, Pardo’s son had already been facing serious charges stemming from his alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting.
Police discovered that he had fascinations with mass shootings and white supremacists, including disturbing drawings of Rhodes Middle School depicting a muzzle flash and suicidal thoughts.
Further investigation revealed that the boy had searched for the 2019 New Zealand mosque shootings on his school-issued computer and had made concerning remarks, such as telling his grandmother he was “going to be famous” the day he was found near the school.
Mother’s Arrest and Charges
Pardo has now been charged with abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence, stemming from the photo of the baby and the potential harm involved. She was arrested on Thursday and appeared in court on Friday, where she was given a $45,000 bond. As part of the conditions of her release, she has been ordered to have no contact with her children.
At the time of her initial arrest, Pardo had already been out on bond for the charges involving her son. She had posted $75,000 bail for those terrorism-related charges and had been on partial house arrest while awaiting further proceedings.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Reactions
The case has shaken the community, with many shocked at Pardo’s apparent support for her son’s violent thoughts and plans. It was reported that she had openly expressed support for his violent expressions and even encouraged them.
As for the baby involved, the situation has raised concerns about child safety in the household, with Pardo facing significant criminal negligence charges. The authorities continue to investigate Pardo’s actions and the extent of her involvement in her son’s criminal activities.
Ashley Pardo faces multiple charges for her involvement in her son’s plot and for allegedly endangering the life of an infant. Her arraignment for the new charges is scheduled, and she could face a long sentence if convicted.
As the case progresses, the community and authorities are left to process the disturbing revelations about her actions and the severe impact on the children involved.
