The Duke Lacrosse Case Overview

Three Duke lacrosse players were accused of raping and beating a stripper named Crystal Mangum during a team party in March 2006. Mangum's allegations mobilized a media frenzy, notably from the New York Times, and led to an aggressive investigation by the local prosecutor, Mike Nifong. Initially, the players were indicted despite a lack of evidence, including DNA linking them to the crime, and various inconsistencies in Mangum's story. Ultimately, after extensive media coverage and public outcry, the North Carolina Attorney General declared the players innocent, highlighting the case's profound implications regarding due process and media portrayal.