Rich family: promotion of conspiracy theory has “caused, and continue to cause, the family severe mental anguish and emotional distress” Seth Rich’s family sent cease and desist to Fox News contributor behind evidence-free smears. On May 19, NBC News reported “the family of slain Democratic staffer Seth Rich is threatening legal action against a private investigator after his ‘outrageous behavior’ has given fuel to right-wing conspiracy theories about the unsolved murder of their son,” writing “an attorney representing the family of Rich … sent a cease and desist letter Friday to Rod Wheeler,” a Fox News contributor responsible for promoting the conspiracy.