Disillusioned Young Immigrant Kills Himself, Starting an Emotional Debate

nytimes.com
By MANNY FERNANDEZ
Published: December 10, 2011

MISSION, Tex. — On the last night of his life, Joaquin Luna Jr., 18, filled the pages of a spiral notebook with goodbyes. In brief letters to relatives, friends and teachers, he asked one of his brothers to take care of his nephews and his niece and told a friend he had left a memento for her in his Bible.

One letter was different from the rest. It was addressed to Jesus Christ, and in it he asked for forgiveness. “Jesus,â€