From Club Kid Killer To Ph.D. Candidate: 5 Shocking Facts About Robert 'Freeze' Riggs Today

The story of Robert D. "Freeze" Riggs is one of the most dramatic and unexpected transformations to emerge from the infamous New York City "Club Kids" scene of the 1990s, an era defined by excess, drugs, and a shocking murder. As of December 2025, Riggs is no longer the notorious figure who helped his roommate, Michael Alig, commit and conceal the murder of fellow Club Kid Andre "Angel" Melendez; instead, he has forged a new, deeply academic path focused on prison reform and public health. His life today is a stark contrast to the hedonistic nightlife that defined his youth, providing a rare example of profound rehabilitation and intellectual pursuit after a high-profile crime. Riggs’s current work as an Associate Researcher for the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) and his pursuit of an advanced degree at a prestigious university demonstrate a commitment to social justice and academic rigor, a fresh and unique update that few would expect from one half of the "Club Kid Killers." This article delves into the latest updates on Robert "Freeze" Riggs, exploring his biography, the details of his infamous past, and the surprising academic and advocacy work that defines his life today.

Robert D. "Freeze" Riggs: Biography and Case Profile

Robert D. "Freeze" Riggs gained national notoriety in the late 1990s as the accomplice to "Club Kid King" Michael Alig in the murder of Andre "Angel" Melendez. The case became a morbid symbol of the New York City club scene's dark side, later immortalized in books and the film *Party Monster*.

• Full Name: Robert D. Riggs
• Nickname: "Freeze"
• Known For: Involvement in the 1996 murder of Andre "Angel" Melendez with Michael Alig.
• Prior Occupation (1990s): Employee at a New York City club and a part-time hat designer.
• Victim: Andre "Angel" Melendez (Club Kid and drug dealer).
• Crime Details: On March 17, 1996, Riggs and Alig killed Melendez in their apartment over a drug debt. Riggs admitted to striking Melendez with a hammer and later helping Alig dismember the body, which was dumped in the Hudson River.
• Plea and Sentence: Riggs pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in September 1997 and was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in state prison.
• Release Date: Robert "Freeze" Riggs was released from prison in 2010, having served 13 years. This was four years before his co-defendant, Michael Alig, was released.

The Shocking Transformation: Freeze Riggs's Life After Prison

Upon his release in 2010, many expected Robert Riggs to either disappear completely or attempt to re-enter the fringe world of the New York nightlife that had nearly destroyed him. Instead, Riggs chose a path of deep intellectual engagement and social advocacy, leveraging his experience within the correctional system to fuel a new career. His life today is centered on academia and reform, a complete pivot from the chaotic world of the Limelight and the Club Kids.

1. He Became a Ph.D. Candidate at NYU

Perhaps the most surprising detail about Robert Riggs's life today is his status as an advanced degree candidate at one of the nation's top universities. Following his release, Riggs pursued higher education and is now identified as a Ph.D. candidate at New York University (NYU). His academic focus is on Public Health, a field that allows him to study and address systemic issues, a far cry from the drug-fueled environment of his younger years. This intellectual pursuit signifies a commitment to utilizing his past experiences to contribute positively to society, specifically in understanding health within marginalized communities.

2. He is a Key Figure in the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI)

Riggs’s commitment to education and reform is most clearly evidenced by his work with the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI). BPI is a highly respected program that provides college education to incarcerated individuals in New York State. Riggs is an Associate Researcher for the initiative, a role that places him at the forefront of the movement to use education as a tool for rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. His personal journey—from a Club Kid who committed a violent crime to a scholar advocating for educational opportunities for those still incarcerated—gives his work an authenticity and depth that is highly valued. His involvement highlights the power of education, especially liberal arts education, in transforming lives within the correctional system.

3. He Left the "Party Monster" Past Behind

While his former co-defendant, Michael Alig, struggled with sobriety and a brief return to the public eye before his death, Robert Riggs has deliberately chosen to remain out of the spotlight and the nightlife scene. Sources confirm that he has "opted out of the party circuit," focusing entirely on his academic and professional life in New York. This decision is a clear indication of a desire to distance himself from the toxic environment that led to the murder of Andre "Angel" Melendez and to dedicate his post-prison life to meaningful work. His current life is defined by quiet study and research, a stark contrast to the loud, flamboyant chaos of the 1990s Club Kid era.

The Legacy of the Club Kids and Riggs's Redemption

The story of the Club Kid Killers remains a dark chapter in New York history, but Riggs's current trajectory offers a compelling narrative of atonement through service and scholarship. The contrast between his involvement in the brutal dismemberment of Melendez and his current status as a respected academic researcher is a powerful testament to the potential for human change.

4. He is a Voice for Prison Education and Advocacy

Riggs’s academic work is deeply intertwined with his lived experience. His research at BPI and his studies at NYU often focus on the intersection of incarceration, public health, and urban farming, as noted in BPI’s own public health focus. This work allows him to contribute to policy discussions and educational initiatives that directly benefit the population he was once a part of. By becoming an advocate for the Bard Prison Initiative, he actively works to prevent others from falling into the cycle of crime and recidivism, turning a personal tragedy into a source of positive social change.

5. His Case is a Study in Disparity and Justice

The difference in the prison sentences and subsequent lives of the two co-defendants, Robert "Freeze" Riggs and Michael Alig, is often cited as a fascinating study in the justice system. Riggs received the same 10-to-20-year sentence but was paroled in 2010 after serving the minimum term, while Alig was repeatedly denied parole until 2014. This disparity, often attributed to Alig’s continued drug use and poor conduct while incarcerated, allowed Riggs to begin his path to rehabilitation much earlier. His current success in academia underscores the importance of a commitment to personal reform and the opportunities that can arise from a second chance. Riggs’s story is a complex tapestry of crime, punishment, and, ultimately, a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact on the world today.