The family of a Mission woman, murdered nearly five years ago, has been cleared to pursue legal action against the federal government for failing to offer Lisa Dudley help that could have saved her life.
The 37-year old died in September of 2008, four days after she and her boyfriend were shot in their home.
The Mountie sent to investigate never entered the house, where he would have found the body of 33-year old Guthrie McKay and Dudley still alive.
He was later docked one day's pay.
Dudley's step-father, Mark Surakka, says a bid by the federal government to dismiss the lawsuit has now failed.
"It's a matter of accountability and also, we've been in the dark quite a bit. there's so much that has to be brought to light. it has to be exposed."
Lawyers for the federal government argued Dudley's rights couldn't be violated because they died with her.