AI Brings Slain Veteran’s Voice to Court in Arizona Road Rage Case

In what is likely a haunting first for U.S. courts, a road rage victim spoke from beyond the grave, thanks to artificial intelligence, according to People. Christopher Pelkey, a 37-year-old Army veteran shot dead in 2021, was digitally recreated to deliver a victim impact statement against his killer, Gabriel Horcasitas. This groundbreaking use of tech has sparked both awe and unease as justice meets innovation.

According to NPR, Pelkey’s sister Stacey Wales used AI to rebuild his image and voice, drawing from memories to craft a message for Horcasitas, who was subsequently sentenced to 10.5 years behind bars. Per People, during the victim impact statement, the AI-generated version of Pelkey said:

“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 a God who forgives. I always have, and I still do."

As reported by ABC15, the tragedy unfolded in November 2021 in Chandler, Arizona, when Horcasitas honked repeatedly at Pelkey while both were stopped at a red light. Exiting his vehicle while waving his arms, Pelkey then approached Horcasitas’ car. Per court records, Horcasistas fired two shots, one fatal. Horcasitas faced murder charges but was convicted of manslaughter.

Pelkey, a devout Christian who served in global church missions, left behind family, friends, and his cat, Sausage, his obituary noted.

His older brother John Pelkey said the AI process brought “waves of healing,” believing Christopher Pelkey would’ve forgiven his killer. “That was the man I knew,” John said, according to The Guardian.

While the family reportedly found peace seeing him one last time, the tech raises questions about grief, justice, and digital resurrection in courtrooms.