SAN ANTONIO – Charges against the middle schooler who’s accused of making threats against Rhodes Middle School were clarified during a Thursday hearing.
State prosecutors have charged the boy with weapons possession and possession of an explosive device. Prosecutors also said that the terrorism charge is still being investigated.
The judge also ruled that the boy must remain in custody. The boy’s defense attorney asked the judge to release him to his grandmother, under the condition that he wear a GPS ankle monitor.
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According to police, the investigation began in January 2025 after the student made disturbing drawings referencing violence and their school. Detectives later discovered the child had a fascination with mass shooters.
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In April, the student was suspended after researching the Christchurch mosque attacks.
On May 11, the child’s grandmother stopped them from hitting a live bullet with a hammer. The child claimed their mother, Ashley Pardo, had given them the ammunition. The grandmother also learned Pardo had taken the child to military surplus stores, providing them with tactical gear and ammunition in exchange for babysitting.
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A search of the child’s room reportedly uncovered loaded magazines, a homemade explosive device, and a note referencing mass shootings, white supremacy, and Nazism.
According to a court affidavit, 33-year-old Ashley Pardo was arrested and charged with Aiding in the Commission of Terrorism.
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The affidavit describes Pardo as being dismissive of the child’s behavior, allegedly expressing to the school her support for her child’s violent expressions and drawings, and voicing no concern for his behavior.
Pardo is accused of knowingly facilitating her child’s desire to carry out acts of mass violence. She was arrested on May 12, but has since posted a bond of $75,000.
The judge asked both attorneys to wrap up discovery with the hopes of setting a trial date at the next hearing.