HOPLAND – The Mendocino County Sheriffs' Office is investigating a homicide in connection with a marijuana growing operation.

A report from sheriff's Lt. Tim Marsh said deputies responded to a remote area east of Hopland near the Lake/Mendocino county line at 2 a.m. Friday on the report of an alleged assault and battery.

When deputies arrived they located the assault victim lying on the ground in a marijuana garden, according to Marsh's report.

The victim was later pronounced dead by the fire department at the scene, he said.

Marsh said the preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was engaged in a argument with other persons over marijuana cultivation and water usage prior to his death.

The victim's name wasn't released Friday pending the notification of next of kin.

Marsh said the investigation is in the initial stages and continuing.