The Rise and Fall of Crystal Mangum: A Chronicle of False Accusations and Tragedy

Early Life and Background

Crystal Gail Mangum was born on July 18, 1978, in Durham, North Carolina. She was the youngest of three children in a working-class family. After graduating from Hillside High School in 1996, Mangum joined the U.S. Navy, where she trained in radio and navigation technology. Her military career was short-lived; she was discharged after becoming pregnant by a fellow sailor. Mangum later returned to Durham, balancing motherhood with work as an exotic dancer to support her family.

The Duke Lacrosse Case

In March 2006, Mangum was hired to perform at a party hosted by members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team. Following the event, she accused three players—Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty, and David Evans—of raping her. The allegations garnered national attention, igniting debates on race, privilege, and the justice system. However, inconsistencies in Mangum's account and lack of physical evidence led to the dismissal of charges in April 2007. North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper declared the players "innocent," and the case's handling resulted in the disbarment of District Attorney Mike Nifong for misconduct. ...Read More

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