A Marine veteran, Jimmy Friesenhahn, who was left paralyzed after being shot while working as a security guard, was scheduled to testify against his alleged attacker, Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega, next week. However, a sudden downturn in Friesenhahn's health has led to his hospitalization, according to his sister, Becky Borjon.
Friesenhahn has been hospitalized for at least a week due to complications from a blood clot following surgery on August 28. Borjon stated, "We encountered some medical setbacks, and he’s been hospitalized for a week now. Prior to that, he was in inpatient rehab for three weeks following a surgery he had on Aug. 28, and things just kind of took a turn."
The trial is set to begin on October 20, 2026, in Bexar County, with jury selection expected to start. Friesenhahn's family hopes he will still be able to testify. Ortega, a 29-year-old Honduran national, was arrested after allegedly shooting Friesenhahn at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio on May 4, 2025.
According to police, Friesenhahn attempted to stop Ortega from entering the venue after seeing a gun in his pocket, leading to a struggle during which Ortega allegedly fired multiple rounds. Friesenhahn was hit twice in his bulletproof vest and once in the neck, resulting in paralysis and the need for full-time medical care.
Ortega faces charges of aggravated assault against a security officer and illegal entry into the United States, and he is also subject to federal immigration proceedings. Friesenhahn's family expressed outrage over Ortega's prior criminal record in Texas, which includes multiple arrests for offenses such as driving while intoxicated and failing to appear in court.
Emmanuel Martinez, Friesenhahn’s brother-in-law, stated, "His last court appearance was in March 2025, and Jimmy was shot on May 4, 2025. At that point, the DA’s office should have complied with removal orders and turned him over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
Borjon questioned why Ortega was allowed to remain free despite his repeated offenses, stating, "I’m not opposed to immigration, but there is a process set in place for a reason. This guy was arrested multiple times, released on bond and never reported. He had active warrants for repeated offenses while missing court appearances. Those warrants should have been acted upon, and maybe we wouldn’t be here today. This guy should have been returned to his country."
Friesenhahn’s family is determined to see the case prosecuted fully while grappling with the impact of his injuries. Borjon remarked, "Unfortunately, we don’t see this as a road to recovery because there is no recovering from an injury like this. We see it as the beginning of a lifelong fight. My brother will never walk again. He will never be able to get married or raise a family."
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the case's status.