Marine veteran paralyzed in a San Antonio shooting has been readmitted to the hospital just days before he was expected to testify at the trial of the man accused of shooting him, his family said.
Jimmy Friesenhahn, a Marine combat veteran with multiple overseas deployments, has been hospitalized for at least a week due to complications from a blood clot that developed after surgery in August, according to his sister, Becky Borjon. She said he completed three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation following an Aug. 28 procedure, but his condition worsened.
“We encountered some medical setbacks, and he’s been hospitalized for a week now,” Borjon said. “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.”
Marine veteran paralyzed case heads to trial
Friesenhahn had been expected to take the stand in Bexar County next week in the case against Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega, 29, a Honduran national charged in the May 4, 2025 shooting. “Trial is scheduled to begin next week on the 20th,” Borjon said, noting jury selection would come first. “Jimmy was expected to appear and testify on his own behalf, and we are still hoping he will be able to do that.”
San Antonio police said Friesenhahn was working as a security guard at El Patio Sports Bar when he noticed a firearm in Ortega’s pocket and tried to prevent him from entering. During a struggle, Ortega allegedly fired multiple times. Friesenhahn was hit twice in his ballistic vest and once in the neck, according to police. The neck wound left him paralyzed, unable to speak, and in need of around-the-clock medical care.
Ortega was arrested and charged with aggravated assault against a security officer and illegal entry into the United States. He is also the subject of federal immigration proceedings.
Prior arrests draw family’s frustration
The shooting fueled anger from Friesenhahn’s relatives, who cited Ortega’s prior arrests in Texas. Court records show Ortega was arrested for driving while intoxicated in October 2020, then again in August 2023 for a probation violation. He was arrested two additional times for failing to appear in court, including in November 2024.
“His last court appearance was in March 2025, and Jimmy was shot on May 4, 2025,” said Emmanuel Martinez, Friesenhahn’s brother-in-law. “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 remained free despite repeated offenses. “I’m not opposed to immigration, but there is a process set in place for a reason,” she said. “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.”
Family braces for a long fight
Friesenhahn’s family said they want the case pursued to the fullest extent of the law while they come to terms with his life-altering injuries. “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,” Borjon said. “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 status of the case.
Ortega’s immigration status and the handling of his prior arrests have drawn attention similar to other high-profile incidents involving federal authorities, such as when an ICE agent shoots man in Austin; protests erupt, probe underway. Officials in Bexar County have not indicated whether any policy reviews will follow this case.
El Patio Sports Bar, where the shooting occurred, has continued operating under its existing permits, according to City of San Antonio public records. No additional security requirements have been publicly announced.
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