Image by Linkedin

By Nathan Guttman March 4, 2017

When Republican lobbyist Jack Burkman volunteered to help solve the mystery of Seth Rich’s murder, a DNC staffer gunned down near his home in Washington, Rich’s family welcomed the gesture. They held a joint press conference with Burkman and worked together trying to reach out to people who could possibly have a clue leading to the killers. Burkman put up more than $100,000 of his own money as a reward for those coming up with useful information.

But now, Burkman has taken his investigative work into conspiracy theory territory and the Rich family feels betrayed. Earlier this week, the Republican lobbyists sent letters to Congress, claiming that he has leads indicating Russian involvement in Rich’s murder.

But members of the Rich family, who during the eight months since the murder have stressed time and again that conspiracy theories floating in regards to the event are false and painful, now feel Burkman has crossed the line. An unnamed family member told DCist that Burkman’s Russian theory is “hurtful” and distracting. “We don’t believe there’s any involvement of any of the different conspiracy theories. We’ve made that clear multiple times. Putting out statements with absolutely nothing tangible and no hard facts—that’s what I want to stop,” the family members said.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Burkman told the publication he is “honoring my commitment to Mary Rich,” Seth’s mother. But the family member disputed this account, arguing that talks about conspiracy theories regarding Seth Rich’s murder “chip away at his legacy.”

Contact Nathan Guttman at guttman@forward.com

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount