AI Replica Voices Forgiveness in Sentencing of Road Rage Shooter
In a groundbreaking case that raises ethical and legal questions about the use of artificial intelligence in the courtroom, the voice of a deceased U.S. Army veteran, recreated through AI, echoed forgiveness during the sentencing hearing of his killer. The emotional event unfolded in a Phoenix courtroom, leaving onlookers and legal professionals grappling with the implications of this novel technology.
Chris Pelkey, a 37-year-old veteran, was fatally shot in a road-rage incident in Chandler, Arizona, in November 2021. More than three years later, his presence was felt once again as an AI replica delivered a poignant message of forgiveness toward his shooter, 54-year-old Gabriel Paul Horcasitas.
The AI replica, crafted using Pelkey’s images and voice recordings, was the brainchild of his older sister, Stacey Wales, and her tech-savvy husband and colleague. Wales, seeking to humanize her brother beyond the graphic video of his shooting and autopsy photos, collaborated with Jessica Gattuso of Arizona Voice for Crime Victims. Gattuso encouraged the family to personalize Pelkey’s memory, gathering around 50 letters of support from loved ones, friends, teachers, and military comrades.
As the sentencing hearing approached, Wales struggled to capture the essence of her brother’s life and character in a traditional statement. She envisioned what Pelkey himself would say and recognized his inherent capacity for forgiveness, even in the face of such tragedy.
"I was able to write what he would say or what I thought he would say in five minutes," Wales explained. With the help of her husband and a colleague, the words were brought to life through an AI replica. The result was deeply moving.
“This really felt like a true representation of the man we knew,” Wales said. “We had one goal, which was to humanize Chris and to make a judge feel, and I believe that we were successful in doing so.”
The AI replica’s voice filled the courtroom with a message of reconciliation: “It is a shame we encountered each other that day. In another life, we probably could have been friends… I believe in forgiveness and in God. I always have, and I still do.”
The circumstances leading to Pelkey’s death stemmed from a seemingly minor traffic dispute. According to court records, Horcasitas cut Pelkey off on November 13, 2021. Pelkey then drove in front of Horcasitas’ car. Witnesses reported that Pelkey was stopped at a red light when Horcasitas honked his horn. Pelkey exited his truck and approached Horcasitas’s vehicle, raising his hands as if to ask, "What the heck?" Horcasitas then shot Pelkey, who collapsed back into his truck. Horcasitas provided a trauma kit to witnesses and waited for the police with his hands in the air.
During the police interview, Horcasitas claimed he honked as a friendly gesture and alleged that Pelkey threatened him and clenched his fists.
Initially, Horcasitas was charged with murder and endangerment for also firing at a nearby vehicle with a woman and two children inside, who were unharmed. In 2023, he was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. A new trial was ordered due to prosecutorial misconduct involving undisclosed evidence. In the subsequent trial, which began in March 2025, Horcasitas pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and was again found guilty of manslaughter. He received a sentence of 10 1/2 years, of which he will serve 85%. His legal team has filed a notice of appeal.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Todd Lang, who presided over the case, expressed his appreciation for the AI replica and its message of forgiveness. He noted that hearing the AI’s words highlighted Pelkey’s character and the family’s strength.
“Even though that’s what you wanted, you allowed Chris to speak from his heart as you saw it,” Lang told Pelkeys family. “I didn’t hear him ask for the maximum sentence.”
The use of AI in the sentencing hearing has sparked controversy and ethical debate. Defense attorney Jason Lamm expressed shock and discomfort, calling the AI replica "cringey" and questioning the ethics and tastefulness of "reincarnating someone and then putting words in their mouth.”
“While victims have an absolute right to address the court at sentencing, my view is that this crossed the line of not only ethics and morals, but good taste,” Lamm said. He indicated that the defense team would likely raise the AI issue in the appeal.
Lamm also emphasized Pelkey’s alleged aggressive behavior and last words, “Do you want a piece of me?” He argued that these words should not be overshadowed by the AI’s message.
Wales defended the use of the AI replica, stating that it was based on her brother’s true thoughts and feelings and served as a culmination of the 49 letters of support received.
The AI replica concluded its message with a call for love and a reminder of life’s brevity. “Embrace it, and stop worrying about those wrinkles,” the replica said. “Im going to go fishing now. Love you all. See you on the other side.”
The legal and ethical implications of using AI to represent victims in court are still being explored. This case serves as a catalyst for discussions about the role of technology in the justice system and the boundaries of victim advocacy. While the AI replica provided a powerful emotional impact, questions remain about its fairness and the potential for manipulation or misrepresentation.
