Family Uses Artificial Intelligence To Help Murder Victim Speak In Court During Killer’s Sentencing

Family Uses Artificial Intelligence To Help Murder Victim Speak In Court During Killer’s Sentencing

Christopher Pelkey was killed in a 2021 road rage incident, but during his killer’s sentencing last month, he spoke in court using AI.

Pelkey’s sister and brother-in-law used artificial intelligence to recreate his image and voice for a video impact statement. In the video, Pelkey addressed Gabriel Paul Horcasitas, the man who shot and killed him, saying,

“In another life, we probably could have been friends. I believe in forgiveness…”

 

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The AI-generated statement included real footage from Pelkey’s life and even an image of what he might’ve looked like in old age.

Pelkey’s sister, Stacey Wales, said the video was a true reflection of his spirit:

“Everyone who knew Chris agreed this capture was a true representation of the spirit and soul of how Chris would have thought about his own sentencing as a murder victim.”

Prosecutors asked for 9.5 years, but the judge gave Horcasitas 10.5.

What do you think about using AI for victim impact statements? Share below.

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