Self-storage operator Theros “T” Fountaine and a friend, Thomas William Miller, were shot and killed last week near an illegal pot-growing area outside Forestville, Calif. Fountaine, who operated A-1 Mini Storage on Dutton Meadow in Santa Rosa, Calif., with his wife, Tina, was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday. Miller was declared brain dead and taken off life support on Saturday, according to the source. Both were 46.

The men were found in a rural stretch of vineyards and cornfields near Mark West River. The grow area is near the intersection of River Road and Trenton-Healdsburg Road. The Sonoma County, Calif., Sheriff’s Office hasn’t disclosed the exact location of the shooting nor the status of its investigation. Authorities also haven’t indicated why they believe Fountaine and Miller were in the vicinity, but they believe their slayings were related to their proximity to the site, the source reported. Neither man owned the property, according to Sgt. Spencer Crum, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

Fountaine and Miller had formed a friendship during the last year, Tina Fountaine told the source. Both men had criminal records in Sonoma County. Fountaine had three misdemeanor convictions between 2009 and 2013, including one for DUI in 2009, possession of a controlled substance in 2012 and possession of stolen property in 2013. Miller had a recent drug conviction, as well as convictions for car theft in 2001 and burglary in 2012, according to the source.

“My dad had a heart of gold and would do anything to help anyone out,” Brittany Hruby, Fountaine’s 25-year-old daughter, told the source. “He loved to be around his family. He was loved by many people.”

Fountaine is survived by his wife of 31 years, three adult children and a 3-year-old grandson.

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