Crystal Mangum, Duke Lacrosse False Accuser, Released from Prison

Mangum served time for 2011 murder conviction after falsely accusing three Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006

Feb. 28, 2026 at 12:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Crystal Mangum, the woman who falsely accused three Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006, has been released from prison in North Carolina. Mangum was serving a 14- to 18-year sentence for the 2011 murder of her boyfriend, Reginald Daye. She admitted in 2024 that she lied about the lacrosse players raping her.

Why it matters

The Duke lacrosse case was a major national news story that highlighted issues around false accusations, prosecutorial misconduct, and the treatment of marginalized groups. Mangum's release after serving time for a separate crime reignites discussions around the lasting impact of the case and whether justice was truly served.

The details

Mangum was released on Friday from the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh, where she had been imprisoned since 2013 for the 2011 murder of her boyfriend Reginald Daye. In a 2024 interview, Mangum admitted that she lied about being raped by the three Duke lacrosse players in 2006, saying "I testified falsely against them by saying that they raped me when they didn't and that was wrong." The lacrosse players, David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann, were eventually found innocent, but the case led to the disbarment of the lead prosecutor, Mike Nifong, for failing to turn over exculpatory DNA evidence.

  • Mangum was released from prison on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Mangum was convicted of murdering her boyfriend Reginald Daye in 2011 and sentenced to 14-18 years in prison in 2013.
  • In December 2024, Mangum admitted in an interview that she lied about being raped by the Duke lacrosse players in 2006.
  • The Duke lacrosse rape allegations occurred in March 2006.

The players

Crystal Mangum

The woman who falsely accused three Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 and was later convicted of murdering her boyfriend in 2011.

David Evans

One of the three Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape by Mangum in 2006.

Collin Finnerty

One of the three Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape by Mangum in 2006.

Reade Seligmann

One of the three Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape by Mangum in 2006.

Mike Nifong

The Durham County district attorney at the time of the Duke lacrosse case who was later disbarred for failing to turn over exculpatory DNA evidence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I testified falsely against them by saying that they raped me when they didn't and that was wrong, and I betrayed the trust of a lot of other people who believed in me. [I] made up a story that wasn't true because I wanted validation from people and not from God.”

— Crystal Mangum

“I'm sad for her. I hope people realize how difficult it is being her.”

— Vincent Clark, Friend and co-author of Mangum's memoir

The takeaway

The release of Crystal Mangum, the woman at the center of the infamous Duke lacrosse case, reignites discussions around false accusations, prosecutorial misconduct, and the lasting impact of high-profile cases involving marginalized groups. Her case highlights the complexities of mental health, trauma, and the justice system.