Surveillance footage showed the 13-year-old walking into a northwest side apartment complex’s storage room. Smoke and flames later spread to apartment units.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio teenager charged with terrorism who allegedly planned to carry out a mass shooting at a local middle school, was accused of setting an apartment complex on fire in 2023.
Court documents say the the juvenile was seen on surveillance footage walking into a northwest-side apartment complex’s storage facility at around 11:30 p.m. on June 23.
Smoke could be seen billowing from the storage room as flames spread to a neighboring apartment buildings.
Witnesses told investigators they were familiar with the boy since he and his mother Ashley Pardo lived at the apartment complex.
The Fourth Court of Appeals is scheduled to have a hearing on the case on Thursday.
Fast forward to today, the 13-year-old boy is now charged with terrorism after a months-long investigation involving San Antonio police and the FBI.
According to authorities, the teen had “a fascination with past mass shooters,” including the perpetrator of the mosque shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Police were tipped off by a family member who found an explosive, gun ammunition and tactical gear, among other items.
Pardo, who is accused of supplying her son with the equipment, “expressed to the school her support” of her son’s “violent expressions and drawings.”
She’s accused of knowingly facilitating her child’s desire to carry out acts of mass violence. Pardo posted bond a day after being booked and must adhere to numerous conditions, including have no contact with her son.
The teen is scheduled to appear on his latest arrest on Thursday.