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4mo ago

AI-Generated Avatar Delivers Forgiveness at Arizona Sentencing

Chris Pelkey’s family used artificial intelligence to recreate his voice and image for a victim impact statement, influencing the 10½-year sentence of his killer, Gabriel Horcasitas.

Les tribunaux de l'Arizona ont déjà fait usage de cette technologie, notamment lorsque la Cour suprême rend une décision et qu'elle souhaite la rendre plus compréhensible pour les citoyens. (Photo d'illustration)
La vidéo de Christopher Pelkey diffusée durant l'audience de son meurtrier.

Overview

  • Chris Pelkey, who was killed in a 2021 road-rage shooting, was digitally resurrected through AI to deliver a four-minute victim impact statement at his killer's sentencing in Arizona.
  • The AI-generated video, created by Pelkey’s sister using his voice recordings, videos, and photos, expressed a message of forgiveness and faith in God.
  • Judge Todd Lang praised the sincerity of the AI testimony, stating it conveyed authentic forgiveness, and sentenced Gabriel Horcasitas to 10½ years for involuntary manslaughter.
  • This marks a likely first use of AI to recreate a victim for a judicial proceeding in the U.S., prompting discussions about its ethical implications and authenticity.
  • Arizona courts have previously integrated AI for accessibility purposes, reflecting a broader trend of adopting AI in judicial processes.