Convicted Killer's Mother Uses ChatGPT to Plead for Leniency in Australian Murder Case
The mother of Jaeden Tito, convicted of the 2023 contract killing of underworld figure Gavin Preston outside a Melbourne cafe, used ChatGPT to help craft a character reference describing her son's 'kind and caring nature' at his Supreme Court sentencing hearing. Crown prosecutors called for a life sentence, describing the murder as a sophisticated, planned public execution carried out for hire, while defence lawyers argued the men's youth warranted a lesser term. The case highlights both the growing use of AI tools in legal proceedings and the brutal nature of organised crime violence in Melbourne.
Jaeden Tito, 25, and co-accused Rabii Zahabe, 26, appeared in Victoria's Supreme Court on Friday for sentencing submissions after being found guilty in May of murdering Gavin 'Capable' Preston outside Sweet Lulu's cafe in Keilor in September 2023 and attempting to murder his companion Abbas 'AJ' Maghnie. Tito's mother, Levi, took the witness stand to deliver a character reference she acknowledged was written with the assistance of ChatGPT, describing her son as compassionate, respectful, and fond of rugby league, and noting he had taken up colouring in prison while his two-year-old daughter visits him. Crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill KC argued the killing fell into the 'worst category' of murder, citing its extensive planning, use of firearms, public location, and its nature as a murder-for-hire, and called for both men to be sentenced to life imprisonment. The prosecution detailed how the pair waited for three hours in a carpark before the shooting and used a network of strategically placed getaway vehicles to flee back to New South Wales. Defence barristers countered that life sentences were excessive given the men's ages and harsh prison conditions — Zahabe reportedly receives only two hours per week outside his cell — with Tito's barrister suggesting a sentence in the range of 30 to 50 years. The motive behind the killing and the identity of whoever ordered the hit remain under active police investigation, though the trial heard Preston had numerous underworld enemies and reportedly had a $5 million contract on his head. Justice Michael O'Connell, who noted the 'quite extraordinary' level of sophistication involved, will deliver sentences at a later date.
What's missing
Neither source clarifies the legal or evidentiary weight courts typically assign to AI-assisted character references, nor whether Justice O'Connell indicated any view on the ChatGPT-drafted statement's admissibility or credibility.
How coverage differed
Both outlets reported the core facts consistently, but the Sydney Morning Herald provided more contextual detail about Preston's underworld background — including the alleged $5 million contract and named crime figures — and noted Tito's daughter, while ABC Australia placed greater emphasis on the emotional courtroom atmosphere and the presence of Preston's fiancée in the public gallery.
What different sources said
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
Mum of Gavin Preston killer used AI to ask the court for leniency
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Murderer's mum uses ChatGPT to tell court of son's 'caring nature'
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