New York City’s infamous nightclub promoter, Michael Alig, has been released from prison after serving 17 years for killing his roommate over a drug debt.
Alig gained notoriety for cofounding the Club Kids, which was a group of NYC young clubbers in the 90s who were known for their eccentric costumes and excessive drug use.
In 1997, Alig pleaded guilty to manslaughter after dismembering and dumping the body parts of his then-roommate, Andre “Angel” Melendez, into the Hudson River. He has been up for parole since 2007, but was denied his conditional release until today.
Alig’s co-defendant, Robert “Freeze” Riggs, also pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served his time for the killing of Melendez. He was released in 2010.
Fellow Club Kids founder and friend, James St. James, wrote a book called Disco Bloodbath, an autobiographical recount of his life that mentioned Alig’s rise to fame and the subsequent infamous murder. The 2003 movie “Party Monster,” in which Alig was portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, was based on the story. Seth Green played his long-time best friend and rival James St. James.
Alig maintained an avid tweeter and blogger while behind bars through the help of his friend and the prison phone. According to his Twitter bio, he is finishing a book he wrote in prison titled “Aligula.”
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
My first burrito of freedom ! #CincoDeMichael pic.twitter.com/1d0AFDFVmm — Michael Alig (@Alig_Aligula) May 5, 2014
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
