In a historic court appearance in Chandler, Arizona, the feel of the courtroom was ignited by the sound of 37-year-old road rage victim Chris Pelkey. That moment wouldn’t have been possible without the power of AI technology. Pelkey was tragically killed in a shooting incident in 2021, leaving behind a grieving family and friends who sought justice and closure. The court hearing was a high tide mark. Pelkey’s AI-generated video was able to express his most emotional feelings and specifically address his murderer, Gabriel Horcasitas, who was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for manslaughter.
Stacey Wales, Pelkey’s sister, was instrumental in bringing this unique form of restorative justice to life. She collected more than 40 impact statements from family and friends. This assemblage allowed her to develop a powerful and memorable argument that embodied Pelkey’s devout Christian faith and his life as an army combat veteran. Wales, along with her husband, then fed an AI model videos and audio of Pelkey. She went on to create that resulting creation into a “Frankenstein of love.” As a result, this technology allowed the courtroom to listen to Pelkey convey his message of forgiveness.
The AI-generated video revealed Pelkey’s profound sentiments: “To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me, it is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances. In another life, we probably could have been friends.” He also conveyed his enduring faith in forgiveness by stating, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have, and I still do.”
John Pelkey, Chris’s brother, expressed feelings of healing upon seeing his brother’s face in the video. He reiterated the sentiment that Chris would have ultimately wanted forgiveness given to Horcasitas. “I believe Chris would have forgiven him,” John noted, highlighting the victim’s compassionate nature.
Judge Todd Lang applauded the use of AI to enhance the court experience. He pointed out how Chris Pelkey’s video victim impact statement was so full of forgiveness. This is an important reminder that even when harm has occurred, healing and restoration are still possible.
Talks around accepting AI-generated evidence are gaining momentum. In response to this rapidly developing technology in trials, the U.S. judicial conference advisory committee will seek public comments on possible regulations. This case is a landmark example of using AI to voice the voiceless. It provides families with timely healing and restoration, while igniting national conversation around the ethical dilemmas in our legal system.