New details are emerging surrounding the death of an 18-year-old who committed suicide this weekend.
Joaquin Luna’s death has captured national attention after the family told Action 4 News Joaquin killed himself over immigrant concerns and the Dream Act.
On Tuesday, sources close to the investigation reached out to Action 4 News claiming that is simply “not true.”
They said the suicide letters left behind did not mention Luna’s concerns over the Dream Act or his immigration status.
Sources went on to tell Action 4 News Joaquin left behind eight to nine letters each dedicated to people close to him including his sisters, brothers and even his best friend.
Action 4 News asked the family about the claims.
They admit, they haven’t seen the letters, but said they’re sticking to their belief that he committed suicide because he feared his future as an undocumented immigrant.
Luna’s cousin told Action 4 News before Joaquin took his life Friday night, he had mentioned he wanted a better life but couldn’t have one because of his legal status.
But Joaquin was an “A,” “B” student at Juarez-Lincoln High School and Principal Clem Garza said staff saw a different side of Joaquin.
She said he never mentioned the Dream Act or showed signs that he didn’t believe he would be able to attend college or have a career.
"The signs that he exhibited were 'I'm determined to make it'" said Garza.
Garza showed us his college essay and even an email sent by Joaquin earlier this month indicating his plans to send the essay to different universities in hopes of getting scholarships.
The school counselor told us he was still in the process of sending those essays.
Staff and students remain baffled as to why he would take his life.
They said he had shown motivation and determination to go to college and become an engineer no matter what.
La Joya I.S.D. Statement:
"La Joya ISD wishes to extend their deepest condolences to the family of Joaquin Luna, Jr. Joaquin was a model student at Juarez-Lincoln High School who excelled not only academically, but also stood out as an excellent guitar player. He was a straight-A student who embodied La Joya ISD’s philosophy of ensuring that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education. La Joya ISD encourages all students to be college and career ready, and ensures that each student has the necessary resources to further their educational career. Additional counselors and administrators will be available at Juarez-Lincoln High School to students who are in need of grief-counseling. The La Joya Independent School District community extends their heartfelt sympathies to Joaquin’s family at this very difficult time, and will keep Joaquin and his friends and family in their thoughts and prayers"
Dr. Alda T. Benavides, Superintendent
Funeral Arrangements:
Family and friends will be paying tribute to Joaquin’s life tomorrow starting at 9 a.m. at the Ric Brown Funeral Home in Mission.
A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. followed by his burial Thursday morning.
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