On February 6, 1928, a tough confrontation took place between the Cristeros and the official army. After the battle, San José Sánchez del Río was captured in Cotija and taken to the parish of Sahuayo, where he was detained. It was there that Joseph wrote the famous farewell letter to his mother:
«Dear Mom: I was taken prisoner in combat on this day. I think I’m going to die right now, but it doesn’t matter, mom. Resign yourself to the will of God. Don’t worry about my death, which is what mortifies me; First tell my brothers to follow the example that their youngest brother left them. And you do the will of God, have courage and send me the blessing along with that of my father. Greet everyone one last time. And you, receive the heart of your son, who loves you so much and wanted to see you before dying.”
On the 10th, they took José to the nearby federal army facilities to torture him. That would be the last day of his life. José had already turned 14 years old. His executioners, all officials of President Calles’ government, demanded that he renounce his faith in exchange for freeing him; request to which the teenager never agreed. Then they skinned the soles of his feet and led him barefoot to the place where what would be his grave was located. While he walked, ‘José Luis’ prayed and shouted “Long live Christ the King and the Virgin of Guadalupe!”
San José Luis was hung from a tree located in front of the hole in the ground where his body was later dumped. While he was being hanged, they stabbed him. Finally, one of the executioners – whom they called ‘el Zamorano’ – took him down and asked him what message he wanted to be given to his parents. The child responded: “Long live Christ the King, and we will see each other in heaven.” Hearing the answer, the man shot the saint in the temple.