Unusual Projectile in Craniocerebral Trauma: A Medico-Legal Challenge in the Context of Riot-Control Interventions

We report the case of a 15-year-old male who died instantly after being struck in the right occipitoparietal region by an unconventional projectile-a "crystal ball"-during a public protest in Medellín, Colombia. The projectile was fired from a 37 or 40 mm launcher modified with non-regulation ammunition. Autopsy findings, performed under the Minnesota Protocol, included cranial fracture, brain laceration, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although designed to be nonlethal, the improvised use of this kinetic ammunition converted it into a lethal weapon. This case highlights critical gaps in forensic analysis, legal oversight, and procedural protocols related to riot-control equipment and its misuse.