Manslaughter sentence tossed after AI video of victim shown in court
Summary
An Arizona appeals court threw out a 10-year sentence for Gabriel Paul Horcasitas in a manslaughter case because an AI-generated video of the victim was used during sentencing. The court said the AI video was unreliable and could not be treated as the victim's real statements, so Horcasitas must be resentenced.Key Facts
- Gabriel Paul Horcasitas was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter in the 2021 shooting death of Christopher Pelkey.
- Pelkey’s family used AI to create a video showing a likeness of Pelkey speaking during the sentencing hearing in May 2025.
- The AI video was made using recordings, photos, and videos provided by Pelkey’s sister.
- The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled the AI video was not a true reflection of the victim’s actual words or events.
- The court said the video crossed a line because it showed the victim’s thoughts based on his sister’s imagination.
- Horcasitas’ lawyer argued that using the AI video violated due process since her client couldn’t properly respond to it.
- The victim’s family hopes to continue using AI or other ways to let Pelkey’s voice be heard in court.
- Horcasitas was convicted of manslaughter for shooting Pelkey and of endangerment for a shot that hit another vehicle.
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