Family Troubles Preceded Double Death In Seattle

Behind the outward appearance of success and happiness, domestic and financial problems had beset the family of Narciso Guzman, 57, and his wife, Maremma Unite Guzman, 48.

But exactly what led to the tragedy at their home in the 6600 block of 42nd Avenue South in Seattle yesterday may never be known.

In an apparent murder-suicide involving a .38-caliber revolver, the Guzmans are dead. And 6-year-old Mara Michelle Alba Guzman yesterday was in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center after suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

Public records show the Guzmans were involved in more than a dozen court battles during the 1980s. The legal proceedings included foreclosures, juvenile-court actions and a 1985 divorce proceeding. The legal fights largely concerned problems with real estate investments Maremma Guzman had made as a licensed agent.

But there was another side.

At a press conference yesterday, Seattle City Council members remembered Maremma Guzman as a well-respected community activist.

She recently organized a Seafair Filipino-American community festival and was active with the PTA and education issues, said Councilwoman Cheryl Chow.

"You didn't need to know her long to be pulled in by her personal charm, sincerity and caring," Chow said.

She was seen publicly at a re-election picnic held by Mayor Norm Rice over the weekend.

"She was at Norm's party," said Laneyse Cipolla, an aide to Rice who recalled that Maremma Guzman was always filled with energy.

Council members said Maremma Guzman would be alive today if the state had stricter gun-control laws.

"We as council members are appalled every morning when there's another tale of gun tragedy," said Councilwoman Margaret Pageler. "The Legislature has to tighten up laws. . . ."

Police reported they had been called to the Guzman house many times because of domestic disputes.

Yesterday, police were called after an adult son and daughter went there about 7:20 a.m. They had been unable to contact their parents.

The son forced open a door and found the victims in a rear bedroom.

The Guzmans were married in 1969. In a 1985 divorce proceeding, Maremma Guzman told how her husband had a history of violence.

"Although when he is sober he is an extremely fine man, when he is drinking, his personality totally changes. He becomes extremely aggressive and violent," she testified.

For his part, Narciso Guzman contended such stories were fabrications. The proceedings were dismissed in 1989, with no divorce being granted.

Mara was born in October 1986. Public records indicate another man, not Narciso, was the father of Mara. The father visited the child yesterday at Harborview.

No family members could be reached for comment, and funeral services have not been arranged. An autopsy was scheduled for today to determine the causes of the deaths.

Pageler, chairwoman of the City Council's Public Safety Committee, said the council will work with police to establish an educational campaign on gun safety and work with the public-health and medical communities on strategies to reduce violence.