The family of a paralyzed Marine veteran says a sudden health crisis could prevent him from testifying against his alleged shooter when trial opens next week.
Jimmy Friesenhahn, a combat veteran with multiple overseas deployments, has spent the past week hospitalized with complications from a blood clot following August surgery, according to his sister, Becky Borjon. He had just completed three weeks of inpatient rehab after the Aug. 28 procedure when his condition deteriorated.
“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.”
Friesenhahn was scheduled to appear in a Bexar County courtroom starting Oct. 20 for the trial of Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega, 29, a Honduran national accused of shooting him. Jury selection is expected to begin that day, with Friesenhahn slated to testify on his own behalf.
“Trial is scheduled to begin next week on the 20th,” Borjon said. “I believe they will start with jury selection and go from there. Jimmy was expected to appear and testify on his own behalf, and we are still hoping he will be able to do that.”
The shooting occurred May 4, at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio, where Friesenhahn was working security. Police said he spotted a gun in Ortega’s pocket and attempted to block him from entering. During the ensuing struggle, Ortega allegedly fired multiple rounds.
Friesenhahn, struck twice in his bulletproof vest and once in the neck, was left paralyzed, unable to speak and dependent on full-time medical care.
Ortega faces charges of aggravated assault against a security officer and illegal entry into the United States, plus federal immigration proceedings.
Friesenhahn’s relatives have directed sharp criticism at authorities over Ortega’s criminal history in Texas, which they say should have triggered his removal long before the shooting.
Court records show Ortega was arrested for driving while intoxicated in October 2020, followed by an August 2023 probation violation arrest. He was arrested twice more for failing to appear in court, including in November 2024, with his last court appearance in March 2025.
“His last court appearance was in March 2025, and Jimmy was shot on May 4,” 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 pressed the same point, framing her objection around legal process rather than immigration itself.
“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,” Borjon continued. “This guy should have been returned to his country.”
The family has committed to pursuing maximum prosecution while confronting the permanent nature of Friesenhahn’s 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 case status.