SAN ANTONIO – The trial of a man accused of gunning down an Army veteran working security at a West Side bar could begin as early as this afternoon.

Jury selection is already underway, and the judge is expected to begin opening arguments today.

We’re learning opening arguments in the case against Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz could start later this afternoon. This is new video of him entering the 175th courtroom before jury selection began Monday.

The process started in the afternoon, with several dozen potential jurors interviewed throughout the day.

Ruiz, 29, is accused of shooting Jimmy Friesenhahn on May 4, 2025 while the 44-year-old veteran was working security at El Patio Sports Bar.

Police said Friesenhahn discovered a gun in Ortega Ruiz’s pocket as he tried to enter the bar. The two struggled over the weapon before Friesenhahn was shot.

Friesenhahn was hit three times, twice in his bulletproof vest and once in the neck. The neck wound caused devastating injuries, including a complete spinal cord injury. His family later said he was paralyzed, with some movement in his shoulders and biceps but no movement in his forearms or hands.

Police said two other security guards stopped Ortega Ruiz as he tried to leave and held him until officers arrived.

The shooting also raised questions from Friesenhahn’s family about why Ortega Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant with a criminal history, had remained in the country despite previous arrests.

We found Ortega Ruiz had been booked into the Bexar County Jail at least three times since 2020 and had not been placed on an immigration hold following those earlier arrests. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him following the May 2025 shooting.

Friesenhahn’s sister, Evangelina Borjon, previously said the shooting completely changed her brother’s future.

“His future is completely altered, he’s paralyzed, he’s got some shoulder movement and some bicep, no forearm or hand movement,” Borjon said.

Friesenhahn now faces the need for lifelong care following the injuries.

Ortega Ruiz faces multiple aggravated assault charges, including a charge alleging serious bodily injury. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.