GUSTINE – Linda Guzman was remembered Thursday by those who knew her as sweet and caring, an outgoing woman who always wore a smile.

The 49-year-old Guzman, a long-time Gustine resident who was widely known and well-liked in the community, was stabbed to death in her Sycamore Avenue home in front of her 6-year-old granddaughter Wednesday morning.

Police Chief Richard Calderon said the victim's brother-in-law, Alfonso Guzman, 52, (who also is known as Alfonso Terraza) was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder. He said Linda Guzman was fatally stabbed by her brother-in-law following an argument between the two. Authorities do not know the cause of the argument, Calderon said, and Alfonso Guzman was not talking to investigators.

Calderon said Linda Guzman was able to flee the home despite her wounds. She crossed the street seeking help from neighbors, but collapsed on a lawn. A neighbor called 911 at 10:08 a.m. Paramedics worked on Linda Guzman but were unable to save her, Calderon said, and she was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived on the scene.

The slaying shocked the normally quiet neighborhood, where the Guzman family had lived for 25 years or more, according to neighbors.

“She was always smiling and always happy,” said long-time neighbor Marie Rosemire. “She cared about everybody in town.”

Linda Guzman was a mother of three and grandmother of three, Rosemire said. When the Guzman children were growing up, the family home in the 300 block of Sycamore was a gathering spot.

“All the kids were welcome there,” Rosemire recalled. “There were always friends over, a lot of activities and fun.”

Linda Guzman also coached youth baseball for many years.

“She and her husband Andy always went out of the way for the kids on their team,” said Cindy Martin, whose son was a classmate with one of the Guzman children. “She had a big heart.”

Many in the community also knew Linda Guzman through her work at Richard's Market, where she was employed for about 25 years.

The store closed Wednesday when the staff learned of the tragedy.

“She was well liked by everybody,” said owner Brad Hensley. “She had a lot of friends at the store, and she was also very family oriented.”

Linda Guzman typically worked the morning shift, he said, and had many regular customers.

With her outgoing attitude, Hensley added, she made friends quickly.

“You couldn't work here that long and not know everybody,” he remarked.

“People would go into Richard's and Linda would ask about their family,” Rosemire commented. “She was the kind of person who would ask because she really cared.”