Bruce Lisker leaves prison

Bruce Lisker is embraced by friend and supporter Jenny Giallanza, who met him at a mini-mart in Lodi.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Bruce Lisker expresses relief as he sits down to eat breakfast at an International House of Pancakes. He once again was able to use a knife, a utensil that was banned in prison.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Bruce Lisker takes his first bite of freedom in the form of scrambled eggs, sausage and pancakes at IHOP, a place his parents used to take him when he was a child.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Bruce Lisker receives a warm embrace from Jerry Weinstock, his stepmother’s widower, as he arrives at his Encino home after a long drive from Mule Creek State Prison in Ione.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Bruce Lisker laughs with frustration as he tries to coax water from a touchless faucet in a gas station restroom. It was another thing he wasn’t familiar with after 26 years behind bars.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)