• An AI-generated video featuring a likeness of Christopher Pelkey, a deceased road rage victim, was played in court during the sentencing of his killer, Gabriel Paul Horcasitas.
• The AI avatar delivered an impact statement expressing forgiveness, a sentiment consistent with Pelkey's known beliefs, according to his sister, Stacey Wales.
• The event raises legal and ethical questions about the use of AI in courtrooms, particularly regarding victim impact statements, consent, and potential misuse.

In a groundbreaking event, Stacey Wales used artificial intelligence to create a video of her deceased brother, Christopher Pelkey, delivering an impact statement at the sentencing hearing of Gabriel Paul Horcasitas, who fatally shot Pelkey in a 2021 road rage incident in Chandler, Arizona. The AI-generated video, created from Pelkey's photos and voice recordings, presented an avatar of Pelkey expressing forgiveness towards Horcasitas. This event marks a potential first in the U.S. judicial system and sparks discussion about the role and regulation of AI in legal proceedings.

• What: An AI-generated video of Christopher Pelkey, a deceased road rage victim, was played in court during the sentencing of his killer, Gabriel Paul Horcasitas. The AI avatar delivered a victim impact statement expressing forgiveness.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Christopher Pelkey (the victim), Stacey Wales (Pelkey's sister), Gabriel Paul Horcasitas (the shooter), Judge Todd Lang, and various AI and legal experts.
• When: The shooting occurred in 2021. The sentencing hearing and AI video presentation took place on May 1, 2025. The first trial took place in 2023, but the case was retried in 2025 due to procedural problems.
• Where: The events occurred in Chandler, Arizona, specifically in a courtroom in Maricopa County.

The use of AI to recreate Christopher Pelkey for a victim impact statement raises significant ethical and legal questions. While the AI video was seen as a positive and healing experience by the victim's family and the judge, it sets a precedent that needs careful consideration. Issues surrounding consent, authenticity, and the potential for misuse must be addressed. Legal experts predict a rise in the use of generative AI in the legal system, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and regulations to ensure fairness and prevent the manipulation of justice.

"I loved that AI. Thank you for that. ... As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine."

"All I kept coming back to was, what would Chris say?"

"It is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances. In another life, we probably could have been friends. I believe in forgiveness and in God, who forgives. I always have and I still do."

"'Mom and Dad, thank you so much for making that. I needed to hear from Uncle Chris one last time. And that meant so much, thank you.' That is not what this is intended to do. The result of it having it be a healing piece for anybody who saw it was just a beneficial result"

The use of an AI-generated impact statement in Christopher Pelkey's case highlights a pivotal moment at the intersection of law and technology, offering both solace to the victim's family and sparking essential debate. While the court's positive reception underscores AI's potential to provide unique perspectives, crucial ethical and legal questions remain regarding its role in the justice system. The legal community must proactively establish clear boundaries for AI's use to guarantee fairness, transparency, and responsible implementation in courtrooms. This includes addressing potential biases in AI algorithms, ensuring accountability for AI-driven decisions, and safeguarding data privacy. As AI becomes further integrated into legal processes, continuous monitoring, ethical frameworks, and regulatory oversight are essential to uphold justice and protect fundamental rights. The challenge lies in balancing technological innovation with the need to maintain the integrity of the legal system, ensuring that AI supports rather than undermines human judgment and equitable outcomes.