South Lake Tahoe police detectives believe a drug deal gone wrong led to Saturday night’s shooting death of Dennis Michael Wright Jr.

The 40-year-old from Amador County was shot at least once in the chest on Jan. 30 at about 7:45pm in the parking lot of the Beverly Lodge. He died shortly thereafter at Barton Memorial Hospital.

Officers said Wright and his friend Kendra Ghiorso, 45, of Amador County were in town to deliver at least 100 pounds of marijuana.

“We recovered 100 pounds,” police Lt. Brian Williams told Lake Tahoe News. How much may been sold prior to the shooting or if any was stolen by the suspects is unknown at this time.

Ghiorso told officers several men came and went during their interaction. One of the buyers reportedly discharged a handgun multiple times in the area of the motel parking lot, striking several vehicles.

“Ghiorso was struck violently in the head with an unidentified solid object, and believes she was possibly pistol-whipped. She sustained a significant, though non-life threatening, head injury,” officers said in a press release.

There is no identifying description of the suspects, other than they are men, white and black, and in their 20s. A description of the vehicle the suspects left in is not available.

Inside the vehicle driven by Wright and Ghiorso detectives found two handguns and ammunition.

Anyone who may have information is asked to call 530.542.6100 or Secret Witness at 530.541.6800.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report