Honduran Man Convicted in Shooting of Marine Security Guard
Texas jury convicts Honduran national in shooting that left Marine veteran paralyzed.
2 min read
In a shocking turn of events, a Texas jury has convicted Wilmer Vladimir Ortega-Ruiz, a Honduran national, in the shooting of a Marine Corps veteran who was working as a security guard at a San Antonio sports bar in May 2025. The incident, which left the veteran paralyzed from the chest down, has sparked widespread outrage and legal repercussions for Ortega-Ruiz, who now faces up to life in prison and deportation.
Shooting at Sports Bar Leaves Veteran Paralyzed
The shooting occurred at El Patio Sports Bar on Frio City Road in San Antonio’s West Side. According to police reports, Ortega-Ruiz entered the bar and was subjected to a pat-down search by Jimmy Friesenhahn, a 14-year Marine Corps veteran working as a security officer. During the search, Friesenhahn discovered a weapon on Ortega-Ruiz and attempted to disarm him, leading to a struggle that resulted in multiple gunshots. Friesenhahn was struck twice in his ballistic vest and once in the neck, causing severe spinal cord injuries that left him paralyzed.
Legal Proceedings and Trial Outcomes
The trial, which took place in the 175th District Court in Bexar County, lasted a week and was presided over by Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl. The jury quickly reached a verdict, convicting Ortega-Ruiz of three counts of aggravated assault, with the most serious charge being aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.
During the trial, the defense argued that Friesenhahn had no legal authority to search Ortega-Ruiz and questioned whether he was indeed a security guard at the time of the shooting. However, Friesenhahn testified that he was licensed to perform security guard duties by the State of Texas and was hired directly by the bar, not a security company. The prosecution successfully countered the defense’s argument regarding the absence of a firearms prohibition sign at the bar.
Ortega-Ruiz’s Criminal History
According to court records, Ortega-Ruiz has a prior criminal history that includes a 2020 conviction for driving while intoxicated, which was part of a plea deal for obstruction of a highway. He was placed on probation but later violated it, resulting in a 35-day jail sentence. His criminal past has raised concerns about his potential threat to public safety.
Bar Closes After Shooting
In the year following the shooting, the El Patio Sports Bar permanently closed, and all traces of its former name were removed. A new establishment, Mamacita’s Bar, now operates at the same location, signaling a shift in the area’s commercial landscape.
Source: Breitbart
