The news that the woman who made up a story about being raped by Duke lacrosse players a few years ago has been charged with attempted murder and arson — among other things — continues a cautionary tale for reporters, columnists, ambitious district attorneys and crusaders of whatever stripe.
As a complaining witness in the Duke case, Crystal Mangum was a disaster from the get-go, yet her version of what happened when she arrived at a lacrosse party as a paid stripper fit some people’s template too perfectly for them to let go.
The result was a disaster for all involved, including Mangum.
No, let me amend that: The players’ defense attorneys probably came out all right.
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