NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge has rejected a lawsuit brought against Fox News by the parents of a Democratic National Committee employee killed in 2016.

The judge said Thursday he understood Seth Rich's parents might feel his death was exploited for political purposes. But he says the lawsuit lacked specific instances of wrongdoing necessary to proceed to trial.

A lawyer says the parents are disappointed and will appeal.

Joel and Mary Rich claimed Fox News turned Seth's death into a "political football" by claiming he had leaked DNC emails to Wikileaks during the presidential campaign.

Rich was killed in what Washington police believe was a random robbery attempt.

U.S. District Judge George Daniels also dismissed a related suit by a private investigator.