The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Rex Farrance, senior editor at PC World, was shot and killed Tuesday, January 9th, in what was possibly a drug related crime. Farrance’s Pittsburg home was invaded by four masked men at about 9 pm. Lenore Vantosh-Farrance, Rex’s wife, was pistol whipped in the head during the incident. She managed to call 911 but the attackers fled before authorities arrived on the scene.

Police believe the couple was involved in the drug activity and that was a possible motive for the attack. John Conaty, Pittsburg police inspector said, “We have substantial reason to believe that the victim and his wife were involved in the possession and, potentially, the distribution of illegal narcotics.”

The couple did not have a criminal record and appeared to be model citizens. Lenore is a registered nurse and Rex was into fitness, technology and rock music.

Rex’s former co-workers had nothing but good things to say about Rex. Denny Arar, a PC World editor said Rex was a family man. Arar said, “We’re all in shock here.” He continued, “Rex loved his work. He really cared about covering technology in a way that was useful for readers. He cared a lot about people, period, including his co-workers.”

SlipperyBrick will have more coverage as this story develops.