Marine Veteran Paralyzed by Illegal Immigrant Convicted
Illegal immigrant convicted for shooting Marine veteran, leaving him paralyzed. Family seeks justice and reform.
2 min read
A San Antonio jury has convicted Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz, an illegal immigrant, for shooting and leaving Marine Corps veteran Jimmy Friesenhahn paralyzed. The verdict came after a trial that highlighted the consequences of repeated arrests and the failure of the justice system to prevent such incidents.
Shooting Incident and Aftermath
Friesenhahn, 44, was working as a security guard at the El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio in May 2025 when he discovered a pistol in Ortega Ruiz’s pocket during a pat-down. When Friesenhahn attempted to confiscate the weapon, Ortega Ruiz resisted, leading to a scuffle where he shot Friesenhahn three times, resulting in paralysis and requiring him to use a wheelchair.
Friesenhahn also suffered a vocal cord injury, leaving him able to speak only in a whisper. He has undergone 15 surgeries since the shooting and is expected to need at least five more in the near future, according to his family.
Famly’s Response and Call for Justice
Speaking with The Daily Wire after the verdict, Friesenhahn expressed gratitude for standing up to the shooter, invoking the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fi.” His sister, Becky Borjon, emphasized that the verdict would not undo the permanent consequences of his injuries.
Borjon condemned the leniency in the criminal justice system that allows repeat offenders like Ortega Ruiz to continue to roam free. She called for reform to address the impact of such leniency on public safety.
Ortega Ruiz’s Criminal History
Ortega Ruiz, who entered the U.S. illegally, had a long history of arrests and missed court appearances. He was arrested multiple times for traffic offenses and other charges, often released on bail and failing to appear for court dates. He was also linked to an assault investigation, where he fled the scene and was never captured.
Ortega Ruiz now faces federal charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has requested his transfer to federal authorities if ever released.
Community Support and Fundraising
Friesenhahn’s family has raised over $83,000 for his continued care through a GoFundMe campaign, highlighting the ongoing financial burden of his medical needs.
Source: Daily Wire
