Artificial intelligence has been employed to bring a murder victim “back to life” during a court proceeding. This innovative use of technology in court potentially transforms how victim impact is conveyed in criminal proceedings. Does this moment define the surge of technology use across America?
Dead Man’s Voice Echoes in Arizona Courtroom
In a groundbreaking moment for the American justice system, Christopher Pelkey, killed in a 2021 road rage incident, addressed his killer from beyond the grave through artificial intelligence. The 37-year-old victim’s voice and likeness were recreated using AI technology during the sentencing hearing of Gabriel Horcasitas, 50, who had pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
The AI-generated video featured a digitally aged photograph of Pelkey speaking directly to Horcasitas with remarkable realism. “To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me: it is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances,” the digital recreation stated, delivering a message crafted by Pelkey’s sister.
🇺🇸 AI BRINGS MURDER VICTIM BACK TO COURT TO FORGIVE HIS KILLER
Chris Pelkey was shot and killed in a road rage incident in Arizona.
3 years later, he showed up in court – thanks to AI.
His family used old videos and voice clips to recreate him with tech, letting “AI Chris”… https://t.co/ih0NwFjkPw pic.twitter.com/WWwRI6PvP7
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 7, 2025
Family Seeks Closure Through Technology
Stacey Wales, Pelkey’s sister, wrote the impact statement that was transformed into her brother’s posthumous testimony. The emotional message emphasized forgiveness, with the AI version of Pelkey saying, “In another life, we probably could have been friends. I believe in forgiveness and God, who forgives. I always have, and still do.”
While the AI-generated statement expressed forgiveness, Wales herself admitted she wasn’t personally ready to forgive Horcasitas. “I want the world to know Chris existed,” Wales explained, highlighting her motivation for creating the unique victim impact statement that allowed her brother’s presence to be felt one final time.
Christopher Pelkey was killed in a road rage incident in Chandler in 2021, but last month, artificial intelligence brought him back to life during his killer’s sentencing hearing. pic.twitter.com/JEIRw9GGyw
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) May 5, 2025
AI’s Growing Role in Legal Proceedings
Arizona State University law professor Gary Marchant noted that this case represents an emerging trend of AI applications in courtrooms. Marchant, who serves on an Arizona Supreme Court committee evaluating AI in legal settings, acknowledged both potential benefits and concerns about its implementation in judicial proceedings.
The judge presiding over Horcasitas’ case responded strongly to the AI presentation, ultimately adding a year to the sentence beyond what prosecutors had requested. This outcome demonstrates the powerful emotional impact this technology can have on court proceedings and raises questions about how widespread its adoption might become in criminal cases nationwide.
This innovative approach comes amid a separate Arizona road rage case involving 18-year-old Jaidev Christian Spicely, who allegedly shot and killed Nicholas Solano-Aguilar in front of his wife and children. Witnesses reported that Spicely laughed while fleeing the scene, highlighting the ongoing issue of deadly road rage confrontations that continue to plague Arizona communities.