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It's been nearly a year since 22-year-old Gabby Petito disappeared while on a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie.
After weeks of searching, both would end up dead. Petito, at the hands of Laundrie, who confessed in a journal he left behind after committing suicide.
MORE: FBI: Brian Laundrie claimed responsibility for Gabby Petito's death in notebook found near his body
Two families shattered by the deaths will now face off in a courtroom. This is after a judge in Sarasota, Florida ruled the Petito family could move forward with a lawsuit Thursday that claims the Laundries knew their son had killed Petito, yet they allowed their attorney to give a statement alluding to the fact that she was still alive.
They claim their tactics wasted weeks of law enforcement's time and caused them emotional distress.
The Laundrie's released a statement following today's judgment, saying they are disappointed but plan to use all available legal means to preserve their rights.
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