A digital version of the victim was created using AI, and the video presentation contained both the AI-generated persona and real-life video footage of the murdered person, helping the court better understand his identity.
A digital version of the victim was created using AI, and the video presentation contained both the AI-generated persona and real-life video footage of the murdered person, helping the court better understand his identity.
In an unprecedented case in Arizona, an artificial intelligence (AI) enabled the deceased Christopher Pelkey to address his killer, Gabriel Horkasitas, during his sentencing hearing. In his address, the AI “Christopher” expressed regret for the tragic encounter and words of forgiveness to his killer.
"To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me, I'm sorry we met that day under these circumstances. In another life, we probably could have been friends. I believe in forgiveness and in a God who forgives. I always have and I still do," Pelkey's digital avatar told the court.
Chris Pelkey died in Nov. 2021 in a road rage shooting.
— Nicole Krasean (@NicoleK_Fox10) May 5, 2025
Recently, Chris' family created an AI-generated video of him giving his own victim impact statement.
Here is a clip — watch the full story tonight ONLY on @FOX10Phoenix 📺 pic.twitter.com/JIz6bKuNfU
According to local media, Christopher Pelkey was shot and killed four years ago in Chandler, Arizona, in a traffic accident. The idea to use AI to create his brother's likeness and his appearance in court came from Chris Pelkey's sister, Stacy.
Judge Todd Lang praised the use of AI, noting the sincerity of the "performance" and the relevance of the deceased's character. Gabriel Horkasitas was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.
The event sparked a lively discussion about the potential and risks of using artificial intelligence in the justice system. Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer highlighted both the potential of AI to improve the efficiency and accessibility of justice, as well as the potential dangers of its misuse.
In this regard, the court has established a special committee to study the application of AI and develop relevant recommendations. It is expected that this unique case will encourage other courts to develop rules for the use of AI-generated testimony in the future.
Previously, co-founder of Fintech Farm and monobank Dmytro Dubilet expressed the opinion that the Ukrainian judicial system can be reformed using artificial intelligence technologies.
