American freelance journalist/blogger Steven Vincent was murdered yesterday in Iraq. I was still at work earlier this evening when word came over the wires that Vincent had been killed -- the news will make it into the south and city editions of today’s Union-Tribune.

Over the next few days and weeks we will hopefully learn who murdered this brave man and they will be brought to justice. For now, however, we have lost a brave man who didn’t cower behind the fortified walls of Baghdad’s “Green Zone,” but who traveled throughout Iraq to bring insight and information to all of us. Vincent was not afraid to expose corruption in Basra’s police force -- something that possibly led to his tragic death. We will be poorer for having lost him.

I reviewed Vincent’s book “In the Red Zone,” shortly after it came out late last year. Vincent sent me an e-mail thanking me for my review (which was wholly unnecessary -- the book really is one of the best things I’ve read) and that led to the sporadic e-mail back and forth. Vincent came across as a truly humble guy, excellent writer and journalist. He will be missed.

I encourage you to buy a copy of his book -- not only is it a compelling read, but larger royalty checks will help his family.

Say a prayer for Vincent’s family as they grieve.