In a groundbreaking courtroom moment, an Arizona murder victim "spoke" to his killer using an AI-generated version of himself—showing what he might have looked and sounded like had he "got the chance to grow old."
Christopher Pelkey, a 37-year-old Army veteran, was fatally shot in a 2021 road rage incident in Chandler, Arizona, according to ABC 15.
As Pelkey's family prepared for assailant Gabriel Paul Horcasitas' sentencing hearing, they sought a powerful way to communicate the weight of their loss to the court—and to the man responsible.
Pelkey's family used artificial intelligence to recreate his voice and image for a victim impact statement. The AI-generated video—believed to be the first of its kind in Arizona court history—featured Pelkey addressing Horcasitas directly, mixing real-life video clips with synthesized speech and a digitally aged photo.
"I believe in forgiveness," the AI version of Pelkey told the courtroom, expressing compassion even while recounting the tragedy. "This is the best I can ever give you of what I would have looked like if I got the chance to grow old."
While prosecutors sought a 9.5-year sentence, Horcasitas ultimately received 10.5 years for manslaughter.
"AI has the potential to create great efficiencies in the justice system and may assist those unschooled in the law to better present their positions. For that reason, we are excited about AI's potential. But AI can also hinder or even upend justice if inappropriately used. A measured approach is best," Chief Justice Ann Timmer told the outlet.
Arizona's judicial system has since formed a committee to explore guidelines for future use of AI in courtrooms.
