Murder Victim’s AI Presence

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Imagine a murder victim speaking at their killer’s sentencing- through artificial intelligence. Christopher Pelkey, a 37-year-old veteran killed in a 2021 road rage incident in Arizona, “appeared” in court via a stunning AI-generated video which is to be one of the firsts in the U.S. court system. Created by his sister, the four-minute clip showed the likeness of Pelkey thanking the judge, and offering forgiveness to his killer. 

The judge was deeply moved, but the groundbreaking use of AI for a victim impact statement has triggered a legal battle. While Pelkey’s family found it powerful, defense experts warn of “deepfake evidence” creeping into courtrooms. 

Arizona’s top court is now wrestling with how AI could change trials forever. For Pelkey’s loved ones, they feel it was worth using. According to their victims rights attorney, victims are allowed to give their impact statements in court in any digital format in the state of Arizona. 

The shooting happened the afternoon of November 13, 2021, when both drivers were stopped at a red light. Pelkey was shot after getting out of his truck and walking towards the shooter- Gabriel Horcasitas’ car.

Horcasitas, 54 received the maximum 10.5-year sentence for manslaughter. His lawyer immediately filed an appeal within hours of sentencing and will seek the appeals court to review whether the judge in his case relied heavily on the AI video when the sentence was given.