Two students from Pasadena ISD in Texas were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder after court records revealed they allegedly planned a shooting at Pasadena Memorial High School.

The investigation began on November 25 when a parent alerted authorities that her daughter had received alarming screenshots. These showed conversations between 17-year-old Emilio Lopez and a minor, where they discussed alleged plans for mass violence at the school on December 1st.

Social media messages and testimonies confirmed the alleged conspiracy

According to the records, several witnesses—including a student and an anonymous friend—confirmed that the Instagram accounts used in the conversations belonged to the two suspects. Screenshots showed the teenagers discussing guns, ammunition, how to carry out the attack, and the idea of ??“getting to the police station before they do.” Another witness claimed to have received a direct text message from one of the defendants warning, “Don't come to school on Monday,” a sign that reinforced the urgency of the report. Meanwhile, Lopez allegedly posted photos of himself holding guns on Instagram, which coincided with the conversations about the alleged attack. Authorities also confirmed that Lopez had been the target of a social media threat earlier this year and had a prior arrest for juvenile assault. The charges and upcoming court date: Both Lopez and the minor involved face charges of conspiracy to commit capital murder, one of the most serious crimes under Texas criminal law. Their court appearance is scheduled for early 2026.

After the arrests were made public, Eyewitness News contacted the Pasadena Independent School District, who confirmed the events and assured that parents and staff at Pasadena Memorial High School were notified immediately, even during the Thanksgiving holiday. In a statement, the district noted: "At this time, there is no active threat to Pasadena Memorial High School. The District continues to fully cooperate with authorities. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students and staff.” The district also thanked the Pasadena ISD Police Department, the Pasadena Police Department, and the US Marshals Service's Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force for their collaborative work, highlighting their “professionalism and prompt response.” Community on alert, but no current risk. Although the investigation is ongoing, authorities reiterated that a parent's quick report allowed them to act before the alleged conspiracy could progress. Security forces maintain constant coordination with the district to reinforce surveillance and ensure there is no risk to students and staff.