Revision of The Smoking Gun publishes Duke Lacrosse accuser's photograph from 12 April 2007 - 12:46pm

Her name is Crystal Gail Mangum. She is the woman who accused Reade Seligmann, David Evans, and Collin Finnerty of raping her at a team party where she had worked as an exotic dancer.

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper announced yesterday his office was dropping all charges against the three Duke students and that they were closing the criminal case because there was no credible evidence against, and I quote, "the innocent" trio.

This from the Smoking Gun :

Asked if she had lied about the attack, Cooper said that investigators think that she "may actually believe" the many different stories she has told. As for charging Mangum in connection with her claims, Cooper said it was "not in the best interest of justice" to file charges against her. He then made reference to "sealed" records--which apparently regard her mental health--about the woman that convinced prosecutors not to pursue charges against her. With investigators now formally repudiating Mangum's assault claims, we're publishing a booking photo of her snapped by Durham cops.

This photograph is part of a 2002 drunk driving file found in Durham.

There's a lot about this case that bothers me, but I want to give you the floor : What do you think? Do you think she was telling the truth or was she lying? What do you think about the way this case was handled.

Take this post and PREACH!

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