In a landmark case, Christopher Pelkey, a victim of a 2021 road rage shooting in Arizona, was digitally resurrected via AI to deliver a victim impact statement in court. Three-and-a-half years after his death, Pelkey's voice and likeness spoke directly to his killer, Gabriel Horcasitas, expressing forgiveness and urging understanding. The AI-generated video moved Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Todd Lang to grant an additional year to Horcasitas's sentence, resulting in nearly 13 years of imprisonment for manslaughter. Pelkey's family orchestrated the emotional tribute, driven by the desire to include his voice among the numerous impact statements submitted. The creation process, which combined various AI tools, highlighted the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI's use in the judicial system while also showcasing its potential for emotional resonance. As noted by legal experts, while such technology could enhance victim representation, it also raises concerns about its impact on justice, posing challenges for future court cases.

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