Man shot dead in road rage incident reincarnated through AI video to deliver message to his killer in court

In a groundbreaking court appearance, a lifelike AI representation of Christopher Pelkey, who was killed in a road rage incident, delivered a powerful victim impact statement, forgiving his killer Gabriel Horcasitas. This marked the first use of AI for such a purpose, as Pelkey’s family created the digital simulacrum. In his message, Pelkey expressed regret over the circumstances of their encounter and shared his belief in forgiveness. The emotional statement significantly influenced the judge’s decision to impose a longer sentence on Horcasitas, reflecting the impact of technology in justice.

"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."

"I believe in forgiveness and God who forgives. I always have, and still do," an AI version of Pelkey said.

"This is the best I can ever give you of what I would have looked like if I got the chance to grow old," the artificial version of Pelkey said.

"I love that AI," the clearly emotional Judge Lang said, and then proceeded to give the defendant 10-and-a-half years for his role in Pelkey's death.

Read at New York Post