Man killed after bringing 100 pounds of pot to South Lake Tahoe

Dennis Wright, Jr of Amador County has been identified as the man who died after being shot Saturday night at the Beverly Lodge in South Lake Tahoe.

According to South Lake Tahoe Police Detectives, the 40-year-old man had traveled to the South Shore in a car full of 100 pounds of marijuana with a 45-year-old woman, also from Amador County. They went to the Beverly Lodge to deliver the marijuana and were met by several individuals who came and went during interactions throughout the evening.

Details are still under investigation. The SLT Police Department released a statement Sunday afternoon, stating at least one suspect discharged a handgun several times while outside the room and in the area of the motel parking lot at about 7:42 p.m. January 30. The woman was struck violently in the head with an unidentified solid object, possibly the result of being pistol-whipped, they said. She sustained a significant, though non-life threatening, head injury.

The victim witnessed the entire encounter, and detectives are working closely with her to gather more information.

There is no suspect vehicle description at this point. SLTPD detectives have conducted searches of the motel room and of two vehicles which were struck by bullets in the parking motel parking lot. Police are currently attempting to identify and locate other individuals who are considered investigative leads in this case. There also remain a number of suspects yet to be identified and located, both white and black male adults in their 20’s.

Inside the vehicle driven by Wright and the woman, detectives located at least two handguns and ammunition for these firearms. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and to develop investigative leads. Additionally, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office are assisting SLTPD with this investigation.

Anyone who may have information about this case is encouraged to call the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at 530-542-6100, or to remain anonymous, Lake Tahoe Secret Witness at 530-541-6800.