TULARE, Calif. - Police are investigating after a 68-year-old woman was found dead in her Central California home on Wednesday, reports CBS affiliate KGPE.

Roma Reid reportedly missed an appointment and authorities went to her Tulare home to make a welfare check.

Tulare Police said there was visible trauma and significant injury to Reid when she was found, but they would not be specific. A suspect has not been identified.

Neighbors told the station that Reid had lived in her house for nearly 20 years. One young man who lives across the street described her as the neighborhood grandma, always looking out for everyone on the block. Other neighbors reportedly said Reid would have different family members living with her from time to time. Friends said Reid had a son and daughter, but the daughter had passed away in 2013. They believed at least one grandson had been living with Reid.

Jacob Balaam was raised in the house across the street from Reid's. He commented, "I can't even imagine who would do this to her. Like I've known her all my life and she's always been there. Like if we needed her, she'd help us, if she needed something, I'd help her right away, you know?"

Balaam said Reid was one of the nicest ladies he'd ever met.

"She'd always buy candy at least off me or one of those cards for baseball, anytime," described Balaam when he would sell school fundraising items to Reid when he was young.

Sgt. Andy Garcia with the Tulare Police Department said on Thursday, "The investigators are actively working some good solid leads at this point. Again, this investigation is still early."