South Lake Tahoe police are investigating a weekend homicide they believe stemmed from an illicit drug deal.

Police were called to the Beverly Lodge, 1352 Johnson Blvd., about 7:45 p.m. Saturday where they found Dennis Michael Wright Jr. on the ground outside rooms of the motel.

Wright, 40, a resident of Amador County, was shot at least once in the chest. He died of his injuries at a hospital.

Police suspect that Wright and Kendra Ghiorso, 45, also of Amador County, drove to the lodge to deliver 100 pounds of marijuana, according to a police press release. Wright and Ghiorso were met at the lodge by several people.

At least one person shot a handgun several times outside the rooms in the area of the motel parking lot. Wright suffered his fatal injury and Ghiorso was hit on the head, possibly with a pistol, police said.

Detectives are working with her to gather more information about what happened.