Molina DK, et al. - A 25-year review of pediatric suicides in a metropolitan area was conducted by the researchers in order to recognize differentiating characteristics in childhood and adolescent suicides to aid in the examination and prevention of these deaths. A steady increase in pediatric suicides over time was noted. Male vs female pediatric suicides were more prevalent, with both having an average age of 15 years. Gunshots wounds and hanging were the most prevalent methodologies observed, with drug toxicity being more prevalent in females and gunshot wounds in males. Nearly 20%, 25% and 24% of decedents had a psychiatric history, a former history of a suicide attempt or ideation, and a history of drug use, respectively. Just a minority of decedents made their intentions known before the suicidal act or left a note of intent. In 62% of cases, a temporal, precipitating event could be recognized, of which conflict with a significant other (boyfriend or girlfriend) was the most prevalent. No specific trends over time were determined. Medicolegal death examiners must approach these deaths as they would any violent death in an attempt to exactly ascertain the manner of death despite the societal and familial implications of such a determination, while these characteristics may help forensic pathologists in evaluating a possible suicidal death in the pediatric age group.