The hologram of a dead man – created with the help of Artificial intelligence – appeared in court during trial in Arizona USAwho “spoke” directly to his killer
The dead Christopher Pelki, whose hologram was created through artificial intelligence by his family, spoke to the County of Marikopa, USA, on May 1st, pending the judge’s ruling against Gabriel Paul Horcasitas for his murder.
Pelki’s avatar appears in the video with a long beard and wearing a green sweatshirt on a white background. He warns in the beginning that it is a version of the pelk of artificial intelligence, which is evident from the gaps in the sound and the slightly unobtrusive movement of his mouth.
“It’s a shame we were confronted with each other that day under these circumstances,” says Pelki’s Avatar in the video.
“In another life, we might have been friends. Growing up is a gift that not everyone has, so take advantage of it and don’t worry about wrinkles, ”he adds.
An AI-generated version of Christopher Pelkey, who was killed in a 2021 Arizona road rage incident, appeared at his killer’s sentencing in Maricopa County Superior Court.
“Just to be clear for everyone seeing this, I am a version of Chris Pelkey recreated through AI that uses… pic.twitter.com/5wBP97fQ8F
— 48 Hours (@48hours) May 8, 2025
Pelki, a US army veteran, was 37 years old when he was killed, shooting him, the accused.
The video marks an innovative use of artificial intelligence in the judicial system, facing the rapidly evolving technology with a mix of intense interest and awe.
In general, the courts have strict rules on the type of information that can be presented in the legal proceedings and lawyers have been punished, since artificial intelligence systems have created virtual cases that were cited during their speeches.
Pelki’s relatives were given the opportunity to present the video of artificial intelligence in court during the announcement of the sentence, as it was not an element of the case. Horcasitas, which was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison, had already been convicted of homicide and report in danger.
The victim’s sister Steisi Wale said she created the message with the help of artificial intelligence after having difficulty integrating her own deposition of years of mourning and pain. As she explained, she was not ready to forgive the perpetrator, but she felt her brother would have a greater understanding.
“The goal was to humanize Chris, to touch the judge and give him his impact on this world …” he told Reuters.