News Summary
The family of Jimmy Friesenhahn, a paralyzed combat veteran, is questioning the release of Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant accused of shooting him. Friesenhahn, critically injured during a confrontation outside a bar, faces uncertain recovery as his family demands accountability from the judicial system. Amid political scrutiny, family members voice concerns over the handling of Ortega Ruiz’s case, raising broader questions about undocumented immigrants and public safety.
San Antonio – The family of Jimmy Friesenhahn, a 44-year-old combat veteran now paralyzed and unable to speak, is questioning the decision to release an undocumented immigrant accused of shooting him. Friesenhahn was critically injured during an altercation outside the El Patio Sports Bar on May 4, 2025, and his family fears they may not see him recover.
Friesenhahn was working as a security guard when he confronted Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz, 29, who attempted to enter the bar brandishing a firearm. The confrontation led to a struggle during which Friesenhahn was shot twice in the chest—though he was protected by his bulletproof vest—and once in the neck. Ortega Ruiz fled the scene but was detained by other security personnel until police arrived. Friesenhahn has sustained a complete spinal injury, a ruptured esophagus, and severe vocal cord damage, leaving his condition critical with an uncertain recovery.
The accused, Ortega Ruiz, is known to be an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record. He has been booked into the Bexar County Jail multiple times since 2020 but has not previously been placed on an immigration hold. Following his arrest, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that he has been held under an immigration hold as of May 4, 2025, while they handle the case against him, which includes multiple charges related to the shooting.
Friesenhahn’s sister, Evangelina Borjon, expressed profound feelings of loss and fear. She questions how Ortega Ruiz was permitted to remain free despite his previous criminal history, asserting that responsibility lies with the judicial system. Borjon criticized the actions of the local authorities and pointed out discrepancies surrounding Ortega Ruiz’s release efforts.
Legal developments following the incident revealed that a judge had granted Ortega Ruiz house arrest shortly after the shooting. However, he has not been released from custody as the case is still active. As investigations proceed, the DA’s office has promised to keep Friesenhahn’s family informed about any developments in this case.
This incident has not only affected the family but has also gained national attention and prompted political scrutiny. Family members are accusing Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales of political motivations in the handling of Ortega Ruiz’s case, further complicating the already tragic situation surrounding Friesenhahn’s injuries.
The community remains keenly aware of the circumstances surrounding this case, as it raises broader questions regarding undocumented immigrants and public safety. With the ongoing investigation and the family’s fight for justice, many are watching closely to see the outcomes for both Friesenhahn and Ortega Ruiz, whose freedom is under serious legal examination.
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Additional Resources
- Fox San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Shooting of Jimmy Friesenhahn
- KSAT
- Google Search: Jimmy Friesenhahn shooting
- KENS5
- Google Scholar: Undocumented immigrant in crime
- KENS5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bexar County District Attorney
- NBC News
- Google News: Ortega Ruiz immigration hold
