History of Crystal Mangum in Timeline

Crystal Gail Mangum, a former stripper from Durham, North Carolina, gained notoriety in 2006 when she falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape. This high-profile case ignited a media firestorm and sparked widespread debate concerning race, class, and gender dynamics within the American justice system. Mangum's status as a Black woman accusing white men from a prestigious university further intensified public scrutiny and fueled discussions about the intersection of race, class, and gender in legal proceedings. While the charges against the lacrosse players were eventually dropped and Mangum's accusations deemed false, the case left a lasting impact on public discourse surrounding sexual assault allegations and the potential biases within the criminal justice system. In 2013, Mangum was convicted of second-degree murder in an unrelated case and is currently incarcerated.

July 18, 1978: Birth of Crystal Mangum

Crystal Gail Mangum was born on July 18, 1978 in Durham, North Carolina.

1993: Alleged Rape

In 1993, 14-year-old Crystal Mangum alleged that she was kidnapped and raped, an allegation she later recanted, and her family members gave conflicting accounts of.

1996: Joining the US Navy and Marriage

After graduating high school in 1996, Crystal Mangum joined the US Navy and married Kenneth Nathanial McNeill. Her marriage soon ended.

1996: High School Graduation

Crystal Mangum graduated from Hillside High School in 1996.

1996: Filing of Rape Allegation

In 1996, Crystal Mangum filed a police report alleging she had been kidnapped and raped three years earlier, in 1993, when she was 14 years old.

2002: Arrest and Conviction for Various Offenses

In 2002, Crystal Mangum was arrested and convicted on multiple charges, including assault on a government official, larceny, and driving while impaired, following an incident involving a stolen taxi.

2004: Associate Degree and Enrollment at NCCU

In 2004, Crystal Mangum earned an associate degree from Durham Technical Community College and enrolled at North Carolina Central University to study police psychology.

March 2006: Duke Lacrosse Party

In March 2006, Crystal Mangum worked as a stripper at a party hosted by the Duke University men's lacrosse team, after which she made false accusations of rape.

2006: Duke Lacrosse Case

In 2006, Crystal Mangum made false allegations of rape against members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team, sparking a national controversy.

2007: Until Proven Innocent Publication

The book "Until Proven Innocent: Political Correctness and the Shameful Injustices of the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case" was published in 2007.

2008: Publication of Memoir

In 2008, Crystal Mangum published her memoir, "The Last Dance for Grace: The Crystal Mangum Story," in which she continued to maintain her false accusations.

February 2010: Attempted Murder and Arson Charges

In February 2010, Crystal Mangum was charged with attempted murder, arson, and other offenses related to an incident with her live-in partner, Milton Walker.

February 17, 2010: Arrest for Attempted Murder and Arson

On February 17, 2010, Crystal Mangum was arrested on charges of attempted murder, arson, and other offenses following a domestic dispute with her live-in partner, Milton Walker.

July 12, 2010: Release from House Arrest

On July 12, 2010, Crystal Mangum was released from house arrest and placed under the custody of her mother.

August 25, 2010: Arrest for Violating Child Visitation Order

On August 25, 2010, Crystal Mangum was arrested for violating a court order regarding visitation with her children.

December 17, 2010: Conviction on Misdemeanor Charges

On December 17, 2010, Crystal Mangum was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, injury to personal property, and resisting a public officer.

2010: Trial Testimony Dispute

Mangum's 2015 appeal was related to trial testimony allowed during her trial regarding an argument with a man in 2010.

January 21, 2011: Decision Not to Retry Arson Charge

On January 21, 2011, prosecutors decided not to retry Crystal Mangum on the arson charge from the February 2010 incident.

April 3, 2011: Arrest for Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On April 3, 2011, Crystal Mangum was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon for stabbing her boyfriend, Reginald Daye.

November 1, 2011: Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

On November 1, 2011, Crystal Mangum was deemed competent to stand trial for the murder of Reginald Daye.

2011: Larceny Charges

In 2011, Mangum was arrested on larceny charges, which she disputed, claiming the money orders were given to her to pay rent.

May 1, 2012: Withdrawal of Attorney

On May 1, 2012, Crystal Mangum's attorney withdrew from her case due to her release of confidential information.

December 12, 2012: Wives with Knives Episode

On December 12, 2012, an episode of "Wives with Knives" aired featuring Mangum's story.

February 20, 2013: Release on Bail

On February 20, 2013, Crystal Mangum was released on bail pending her trial for the murder of Reginald Daye.

November 2013: Sentencing for Second-Degree Murder

In November 2013, Crystal Mangum was sentenced to 14 to 18 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Reginald Daye.

November 22, 2013: Conviction and Sentencing

On November 22, 2013, Crystal Mangum was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 14 years and two months to 17 years and nine months in prison.