One year after Bobbi Kristina Brown’s death and the verdict is in

It’s been more than a year since Bobbi Kristina Brown died under tragic circumstances, and finally, the verdict is in. Her boyfriend, Nick Gordon, has been found responsible for her death in a civil case.

More:Bobbi Kristina Brown’s last night alive was, sadly, lived in despair

Brown’s family and estate filed suit against Gordon seeking $50 million for her wrongful death and alleging that he was responsible. As of Friday, he had failed to appear in court to defend himself twice, and the judge presiding over the case ruled that Gordon was at fault.

The next step is for the judge to determine how much Gordon must pay the Brown family — though they asked for $50 million, the final amount is up to the judge.

“In court today, we finally finished a long journey for justice for Bobbi Kristina Brown,” Brown’s estate attorney said during a press conference following the ruling. “The court agrees with us, by striking Mr. Gordon’s answer that he is legally responsible for her death. The only thing left to prove is the value of her life. We intend to do that.”

More:Bobby Brown is blaming more than just Nick Gordon in Bobbi Kristina’s death

What’s important to note, however, is that Gordon’s decision not to appear in court may have been strategic. Though he was found responsible for Brown’s death in civil court, he hasn’t been charged with anything criminally. Prosecutors are still investigating, and had Gordon testified in court, they could have used anything he said against him while they decide whether to file criminal charges.

Brown was found unresponsive in a bathtub in her home in January of 2015. She died the following July after spending months in intensive and hospice care. Her family alleges that Gordon killed her by injecting her with a toxic mixture of drugs after they had a fight.

More:Whitney Houston & Bobbi Kristina Brown’s deaths are darker than we thought

Are you surprised that Nick Gordon has been found civilly responsible for Bobbi Kristina Brown’s death?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.