this post was submitted on 08 May 2025
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A Judge Accepted AI Video Testimony From a Dead Man (www.404media.co)
submitted 1 day ago by riot@slrpnk.net to c/technology@lemmy.world
102 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

An AI avatar made to look and sound like the likeness of a man who was killed in a road rage incident addressed the court and the man who killed him: “To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me, it is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances,” the AI avatar of Christopher Pelkey said. “In another life we probably could have been friends. I believe in forgiveness and a God who forgives. I still do.”

It was the first time the AI avatar of a victim—in this case, a dead man—has ever addressed a court, and it raises many questions about the use of this type of technology in future court proceedings. 

The avatar was made by Pelkey’s sister, Stacey Wales. Wales tells 404 Media that her husband, Pelkey’s brother-in-law, recoiled when she told him about the idea. “He told me, ‘Stacey, you’re asking a lot.’”

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[–] BrianTheeBiscuiteer@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

“I loved that AI, and thank you for that...” Lang said immediately before sentencing Horcasitas.

I hope they win that appeal an get a new sentencing or a new trial even. That sounds like a horrible misuse of someone's likeness. Even if my family used a direct quote from me I'd be PISSED if they recreated my face and voice without my permission.

[–] FauxLiving@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

They can't appeal on this issue because the defense didn't object to the statement and, therefore, did not preserve the issue for appeal.