Michael Alig, the infamous Club Kids killer, was released from prison on Monday, May 5, after serving 17 years behind bars for manslaughter.
Alig, 47, plead guilty to the manslaughter of Andre “Angel” Melendez in 1997. Angel had been a regular at Alig’s famous New York City parties – Alig worked as a party promoter for nightclubs, attracting thousands to the New York City nightlife. His drug fueled lifestyle made him a legend. Alig was convicted of Melendez’s murder alongside Robert Riggs, who was released from prison in 2010, and the two of them admitted to killing Melendez during an argument and then chopping up the body and throwing it into the Hudson River.
Alig was sentenced to 10-20 years in prison and has reportedly been up for parole since 2007. During his time in prison, Alig kept up his cultural presence with a blog and an active Twitter account run by a friend. His story was also documented in the film Party Monster (2003) starring Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green.
On May 3, Alig tweeted that he was excited for his release, writing, “Excited to see old friends & comforting faces on Mon as this dark phase winds down.”
Alig has continued to update his followers on his new life as a free man, posting the first photos of himself outside of prison.
Happy to be free and so grateful for this second chance. Can't wait 2C @JSJdarling at dinner. #frenemy pic.twitter.com/AJwvtPcyFf
— Michael Alig (@Alig_Aligula) May 5, 2014
Alig also announced that he is now sober, tweeting, “Who needs coke when u can get a caffeine jolt from a Starbucks double espresso? #drugfree [sic]”
Who needs coke when u can get a caffeine jolt from a Starbucks double espresso? #drugfree pic.twitter.com/Di707zRzSz
— Michael Alig (@Alig_Aligula) May 5, 2014
To celebrate his release, Alig reunited with his fellow Club Kids for dinner, including his old friend and sometimes nemesis James St. James, who chronicled their reunion on social media.
St. James also wrote an open letter to Alig prior to his release, updating him on everything he has missed while incarcerated.
“It’s a very different world you’re re-entering into. So much has changed in the 17 years since you last walked among us. For instance: We have talking pictures now! And cronuts,” the letter begins.
In the open letter, St. James also informed Alig of his legendary party monster status.
“You’ve become a bit of a legend since you went in (YOU’RE WELCOME) and you WILL stop the room the first few times you go out. It’s an odd sensation, but even odder is when it doesn’t happen. See, you’re old now, and although many of this generation were raised on Party Monster, sometimes you’ll find yourself in a room where everybody is completely CLUELESS [sic],” St. James warned.
Other words of advice from St. James include watching Breaking Bad and steering clear of boy band fans.
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