History of Michael Alig in Timeline

Michael Alig, a prominent figure in the New York City club scene as a leader of the Club Kids, was convicted of manslaughter. In 1996, Alig and his roommate, Robert D. "Freeze" Riggs, murdered fellow Club Kid Andre "Angel" Melendez during a dispute over drug money. Both received prison sentences of 10 to 20 years. Riggs was paroled in 2010, and Alig was released in 2014.

April 29, 1966: Michael Alig is born

Michael Alig was born on April 29, 1966. This marks the beginning of his life and eventual influence on the New York City club scene.

1984: Alig's Move to New York City for University

After graduating high school, Alig moved to New York City in 1984 to attend Fordham University, seeking a more open-minded environment.

1987: Revitalizing Downtown New York City's Club Scene

Alig's "Outlaw Parties," held in unconventional locations, contributed to the revitalization of the downtown New York City club scene after its downturn following Andy Warhol's death in 1987.

1988: Alig's Rise as a Club Promoter

Alig was hired by Peter Gatien, owner of The Limelight, in 1988, leading him to become a prominent figure in New York City's nightlife.

1995: Alig's Struggles with Addiction and Employment

Alig's drug use escalated, leading to multiple arrests and rehab stints. He claimed that after a rehab stint in 1995, his boss, Peter Gatien, fired him.

March 1996: The Confrontation and Tragic Death of Angel Melendez

In a confrontation fueled by a drug debt, Alig and his roommate, Robert D. "Freeze" Riggs, killed fellow Club Kid Andre "Angel" Melendez in March 1996.

March 17, 1996: The Death of Angel Melendez

On March 17, 1996, an argument in Alig's apartment between him, Robert D. "Freeze" Riggs, and Andre "Angel" Melendez, concerning a drug debt, resulted in Melendez's death.

April 26, 1996: Rumors and Media Speculation Begin

Rumors about Alig's involvement in Melendez's disappearance began to circulate, with journalist Michael Musto alluding to the murder in his Village Voice column on April 26, 1996, further fueling media speculation.

September 1996: Discovery of Melendez's Remains

The investigation took a turn when children discovered a box containing a torso identified as Melendez's in September 1996, shattering the hopes that he might still be alive.

November 1996: Alig's Arrest and Riggs' Confession

After fleeing New York, Alig was apprehended by police in New Jersey. Following his arrest, Riggs confessed to his involvement in Melendez's death.

1996: Riggs Provides His Account of the Incident

Riggs detailed his version of events in 1996, stating that he intervened in a physical altercation between Alig and Melendez, ultimately striking Melendez with a hammer.

October 1, 1997: Alig and Riggs Accept Plea Deal

Both Alig and Riggs accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to manslaughter charges on October 1, 1997, and receiving sentences of 10 to 20 years.

October 1997: Alig's Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In October 1997, Alig pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for his role in Melendez's death. He was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison.

2000: Alig's Continued Drug Use and Solitary Confinement

Alig's struggle with addiction continued in prison. He was placed in solitary confinement in 2000 after being caught with heroin, remaining there for an extended period due to ongoing drug use.

2003: "Party Monster" Film Release

The film "Party Monster," a fictionalized portrayal of Michael Alig's life and the Club Kids scene, was released in 2003.

August 2004: Alig's Prison Life Shared in "Phone Calls From a Felon"

In August 2004, James St. James started a blog, "Phone Calls From a Felon," sharing transcripts of his conversations with Alig about his prison experiences. Alig later asked him to stop, concerned about public perception.

November 2006: Alig's First Parole Request Denied

Alig's initial request for parole in November 2006 was denied. Reports suggested that parole officers were influenced by the film "Party Monster" (2003), a fictionalized account of Alig's life.

July 2008: Alig's Second Parole Request Denied

Alig was denied parole again in July 2008, following failed drug tests, further delaying his release.

March 2009: Alig's Decision Towards Sobriety

Alig decided to stop using drugs in March 2009, marking a turning point in his life as he aimed for rehabilitation and a fresh start.

2010: Riggs' Release on Parole

After serving his sentence for his involvement in Melendez's death, Robert D. "Freeze" Riggs was released on parole in 2010.

May 5, 2014: Alig's Release from Prison

After serving a significant portion of his sentence for manslaughter, Alig was released on May 5, 2014.

May 2014: Alig Released From Prison

Michael Alig was paroled on May 5, 2014, and returned to New York City. He was subject to an 8 p.m. curfew and required to attend counseling and job training. He expressed interest in a reality show and art exhibition, receiving support from figures like Ernie Glam and Ingrid LaLa. He also explored selling his memoirs and pursuing magazine writing.

September 7, 2014: "The Pee-ew" YouTube Show Premieres

On September 7, 2014, Alig and Ernie Glam began hosting "The Pee-ew," a comedy talk show on YouTube.

October 15, 2014: "What's In" Song and EP Release

On October 15, 2014, Alig released his pop song "What's In," featuring DJ Keoki, under the Austound Music label. An EP of the same name was also released.

May 2015: Alig's Artwork Displayed at SELECT Fair

In May 2015, some of Alig's paintings were featured at the SELECT Fair in New York.

June 25, 2015: Alig's First Art Show

On June 25, 2015, Alig held his first and only art show across three different galleries in New York City's Lower East Side. The event was covered by the New York Post, with an article titled "Party Monster: Painting in Prison Kept Me from Killing Myself." The article featured an interview with Alig and photos of his paintings, including his "Zombie Babies," "Club Kids," and "Pfizer" series. Notably, a part of the unique three-piece puzzle invitation designed by Alig was stolen before the event.

January 2017: Outrage! Party

In January 2017, Alig, along with Jason Chaos, Ingrid LaLa, and others, started a weekly themed party called "Outrage!" The party became a success, marking Alig's return to nightlife promotions.

February 2, 2017: Arrest for Trespassing and Drug Possession

On February 2, 2017, Alig was arrested for trespassing and possession of crystal meth in Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx. He was found in the park after closing hours and police found drug paraphernalia on his person. He pleaded guilty to trespassing and received a conditional discharge.

December 24, 2020: Michael Alig passes away

On December 24, 2020, Michael Alig died from an accidental drug overdose, closing a chapter marked by both notoriety and cultural influence.

2020: Alig's Passing

On Christmas Eve 2020, Alig died from an accidental drug overdose in his Washington Heights home.

May 2021: Cause of Death Confirmed

In May 2021, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City confirmed that Michael Alig died from an accidental overdose. The specific drugs involved were fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.