‘Party Monster’ Michael Alig Will be Released from Prison on May 5
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Michael Alig in 1993, Photo: The Drag Explosion
Back in January, it was the New York Post that reported notorious 90s club kid Michael Alig – convicted in the murder and dismemberment of drug dealer Angel Melendez – would be paroled very soon. Turns out that might happen as soon as early next month.
Alig’s friend, and nightlife maven in his own right, Steve Lewis reports that May 5 has been chosen as the day that the “Party Monster” will become a free man. He had been sentenced to 10 to 20 years for the crime.
Club kid founder Michael Alig is to be released from jail on May 5, according to sources in the know. A check of official prison site by Alig friend Victor Corona confirmed the news. Alig, of course, has been serving time for the murder and dismemberment of drug dealer Angel Melendez on March 17,1996. He has been eligible for parole since 2006, but has been denied until now. The release, although not a surprise, has sent waves through a community who knew him and loved him, as well as those who knew him and hated him. He will be staying with a close friend, and has been recruited for creative jobs by many. His transition to the real world will be eased by a support group who, for the most part, have stuck by him for more than a decade and a half.
And because it’s throwback Thursday, below is a video of Michael Alig and DJ Keoki playing “$25,000 Pyramid” during Larry Tee’s Disco 88 Night at the Pyramid Club on Avenue A. RuPaul hosts. The footage was shot by Nelson Sullivan.
As for the memory of Angel Melendez, you can scope out this dedicated Facebook page, which includes various reminiscences and photos.
This image has been archived or removed.
Photo: Angel Melendez Facebook page
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