AI Recreates Voice of Arizona Road Rage Victim for Forgiveness Statement at Killer's Sentencing

Christopher Pelkey, a 37-year-old Army veteran killed in a 2021 road rage incident in Chandler, Arizona, was represented by an AI-generated video at the sentencing of his killer, Gabriel Paul Horcasitas. The video, played on May 1, 2025, allowed Pelkey to express forgiveness to Horcasitas, who was sentenced to 10.5 years for manslaughter. This use of AI for a victim impact statement is a first in U.S. courts, raising legal and ethical discussions. Horcasitas' attorney plans to appeal, questioning the influence of the AI video on the sentencing decision.

AI Brings Victim’s Voice to Courtroom

During the sentencing hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court, a nearly four-minute AI-generated video was presented to Judge Todd Lang. The video featured a digital recreation of Pelkey, created using a single photograph and audio from a YouTube video in which he had previously spoken about PTSD. The avatar addressed Horcasitas directly, saying, “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.”

The video began with a disclaimer: “I am a version of Chris Pelkey recreated through AI that uses my picture and my voice profile.” The statement was written by Pelkey’s sister, Stacey Wales, who said she struggled to write a traditional impact statement but found clarity when imagining what her brother would have said himself.

The Crime and Conviction

Christopher Pelkey was shot and killed on November 13, 2021, during a road rage confrontation at a red light in Chandler, Arizona. According to court records, Pelkey exited his vehicle and approached Horcasitas’ car when he was shot in the chest. Horcasitas was later arrested and charged. After two trials—the first ending in a mistrial due to a disclosure error—Horcasitas was convicted of manslaughter.

On May 1, 2025, Judge Lang sentenced Horcasitas to 10.5 years in prison. The sentence followed the presentation of the AI video and nearly 50 letters submitted by Pelkey’s family and friends, which echoed the message of forgiveness conveyed in the video.

Legal and Technological Precedent

The use of AI to deliver a victim impact statement is believed to be a first in U.S. court history. Arizona law permits victim impact statements in any digital format, according to victims’ rights attorney Jessica Gattuso, who represented the Pelkey family. The AI video was allowed during the sentencing phase, which is distinct from the evidentiary phase of a trial.

Judge Lang acknowledged the emotional weight of the AI-generated message, stating, “Even though that’s what you wanted, you allowed Chris to speak from his heart as you saw it.” He added, “I loved that AI,” and noted that the message of forgiveness resonated with both the court and the defendant.

Family’s Motivation and Reaction

Stacey Wales, Pelkey’s sister, said the idea to use AI came from her desire to let her brother speak for himself. “We approached this with ethics and morals because this is a powerful tool... like a hammer, it can build or destroy. We used it to build,” she told reporters.

The family’s decision to use AI was supported by the broader community of Pelkey’s friends and fellow veterans. Letters submitted to the court came from military colleagues, missionaries, and even a prom date, all describing Pelkey’s character, humor, and deep faith.

Wales said she believed her brother would have forgiven Horcasitas. “Everybody knew that Chris would forgive this person,” she said.

Defense Response and Appeal

Horcasitas’ attorney, Jason Lamm, filed a notice of appeal within hours of the sentencing. He indicated that the appeal may challenge whether the judge improperly relied on the AI-generated video in determining the sentence. “This may be a situation where they just took it too far,” Lamm said.

While the AI video was not used during the trial itself, its use during sentencing has sparked legal debate. Gary Marchant, a law professor at Arizona State University and a member of the state’s AI committee, warned that such technology could open the door to attempts to introduce AI-generated evidence in other courtroom contexts. “It’s easy to create, and anyone can do it on a phone,” he said.

Broader Implications for AI in Courtrooms

Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer did not comment directly on the Pelkey case but acknowledged that the increasing accessibility of AI has prompted the state judiciary to form a committee to study best practices for its use in court. Traditionally, AI has been used in legal research, case preparation, and administrative tasks. The Pelkey case marks a significant expansion of its role into emotionally charged courtroom proceedings.

Despite concerns, the AI video was legally permissible under Arizona law and was bolstered by the consistency of the message across dozens of written statements submitted by Pelkey’s loved ones.

AI Recreates Voice of Arizona Road Rage Victim for Forgiveness Statement at Killer's Sentencing

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