September 21, 2017
Seth Rich: How A Man's Murder Became A Bizarre Conspiracy Theory

Seth Rich, who worked for the Democratic National Committee, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of July 10, 2016. According to reports, the 27-year-old man was walking toward his Washington, D.C., home when he was approached by an unidentified person or persons and shot twice in the back. Rich's family confirmed he was on the telephone with his girlfriend when he was attacked.

As reported by Omaha World-Herald, the gunshots were heard by several Metropolitan Police Department officers, who were patrolling the Bloomingdale neighborhood. Although Seth Rich was conscious when they arrived on the scene, he died less than two hours later.

Authorities have not revealed whether the victim was able to speak to provide any information about the attack prior to his death.

At this time, authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest in Seth Rich's brutal death. Although it has been suggested that the former DNC staffer was killed during a botched robbery, detectives have not ruled out other motives.

Mary Rich confirmed her son had several fresh wounds, including bruises on his face, hands, and knees. Despite the fact that his watch band was broken, his personal possessions, including his wallet, were still in his pocket when he was found.

Although it is unclear what motivated the attack on the former DNC staffer, authorities confirmed the number of armed robberies in the Bloomingdale neighborhood had increased approximately 12 percent in the last year.

In the weeks and months following Seth Rich's murder, several conspiracy theories emerged about the former DNC staffer and his death.

As reported by The Washington Post, some sources suggested Rich was an informant, who "might have leaked DNC emails to WikiLeaks, making him the target of an assassination." The rumor, which was initially reported by Fox 5 News, was debunked by several other news agencies and Seth Rich's family. However, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange only added fuel to the fire.

In August 2016, Julian Assange offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Seth Rich's killer or killers. Assange also made a series of disturbing comments during an interview about Rich's death.

As reported by Newsweek, Assange "hinted darkly that the slain man had been a source in his organization's... publication of 30,000 internal DNC emails." When asked what he was "suggesting," Assange said, "I am suggesting that our sources, ah, take risks, and they, they become concerned to see things occurring like that."

Julian Assange later stated that his comments were not meant to imply Seth Rich had any connection to WikiLeaks or "that his murder is connected" to the publication of DNC documents. The Metropolitan Police Department also issued a statement denying any link between Rich's death and his work with the DNC.Seth Rich's parents have also disputed the conspiracy theories. In the weeks prior to his death, Seth was reportedly promoted to work for Hillary Clinton's campaign. Mary and Joel Rich said their son was a strong supporter of Clinton and was "devoted to getting her elected."

Nearly one year after Seth's brutal death, the conspiracy theories surrounding the former DNC staffer and his death remain a topic of interest.

In the last week, Rush Limbaugh, internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom, and Fox News' Sean Hannity have all suggested they have reason to believe Seth Rich was releasing information to WikiLeaks and could have been a target for assassination. However, none of the sources have provided definitive proof.

Seth Rich's family said they are frustrated that their son's death has become a conspiracy theory and a point of political debate. More than anything, they want their son's killer or killers to be found and punished for taking his life.

[Featured Image by Seth Rich/Facebook]