In a groundbreaking courtroom moment, a U.S. Army veteran who was fatally shot in a road rage incident nearly four years ago appeared to forgive his killer—through an AI-generated video.
Christopher Pelkey, 37, was shot and killed on November 13, 2021, in Chandler, Arizona, while returning from a church softball game. His shooter, Gabriel Paul Horcasitas, has since been convicted of manslaughter.
Before sentencing, Horcasitas—and the court—heard a message from Pelkey himself, recreated using artificial intelligence. The four-and-a-half minute video, crafted by Pelkey’s sister Stacey Wales, blended real clips of Pelkey with AI-generated visuals and voice. It delivered a moving message of forgiveness.
“To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me: It’s a shame we met that day. In another life, we might have been friends,” said the AI version of Pelkey. “I believe in forgiveness and in a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The video also included a digitally aged image of Pelkey, showing what he might have looked like if he had lived to grow old. “Getting old is a gift not everyone gets,” he said. “So embrace it. Stop worrying about the wrinkles.”
Moved by the emotional depth of the message, Judge Todd Lang handed Horcasitas a 10.5-year prison sentence—one year more than the prosecution’s recommendation. “I love that AI,” the judge remarked. “It felt genuine and reflected the character described in court.”
Pelkey’s family said the video brought a sense of healing. “Seeing and hearing Chris say those words washed waves of healing over me,” said his brother John. Wales’ teenage son added, “I needed to hear from Uncle Chris one last time.”
Wales revealed she never intended to make the video. Initially overwhelmed while preparing her victim impact statement, she sought stories from nearly 50 people from Pelkey’s life. Realizing her brother couldn’t speak for himself, she wrote what she believed he would have said—and turned to AI to bring his voice to life.
The project wasn’t easy. It required combining several AI tools, sourcing audio, and digitally altering images to remove sunglasses and background noise. Recreating Pelkey’s laugh proved particularly difficult.
Despite initial hesitation, the family’s attorney agreed to show the video in court, recognizing its powerful message of forgiveness. Legal experts, however, note that while impactful, the use of AI in courtrooms may raise ethical concerns. The Arizona State Supreme Court has since formed a committee to examine its implications.
