LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Self-help expert James Ray is hosting a two-day summit at a hotel in La Jolla, one day after authorities announced he was the focus of a homicide investigation.

An Arizona sheriff announced Thursday that the Carlsbad-based Ray was being investigated in connection with the deaths of two people at a Sedona, Ariz. sweat lodge on Oct. 8. Yavapai County Sheriff Steve Waugh said the deaths last week of Kirby Brown, 38, of Westtown N.Y. and James Shore, 40, of Milwaukee were not accidental.

Many of Ray's followers are attending the World Wealth Summit at the Hyatt Regency this weekend, including Dallas residents Don Pelham and his wife, Sarah Devendorf.

"I feel really bad for James because I know he would never put people in a compromising situation," said Devendorf.

"I think there's a lot we don't know, in my opinion," said Pelham.

Investigators said proving a crime was committed would be difficult, but they are looking into the way the sweat lodge was built, other illnesses at previous ceremonies and the medical care on site.

Pelham said he has been to other sweat rituals led by other spiritual leaders that included dozens of people packed in close quarters.

"It's also been interesting to watch some of the people's perspective on this who have never participated in any of these events, but yet seem to be authorities on things," said Pelham.

Mary Tonkin said she has been to several of Ray's seminars, and she told 10News they are always meticulously well planned and safe.

"I find it hard to believe because he's such a perfectionist; I don't know what happened," said Tonkin.

Tonkin said she had friends who were at the Sedona retreat. Her friends told her the event was priceless and they still have their full faith in Ray.