I experimented both: Helping the thug Balin in the poor quarters and killing Maria - was only attacked by the guards she called for help. The soldiers entered her house but were green, I took care not to kill them (wasn't very easy in that crowd cluttering up her tiny room).
No further probs (rep.-loss, yes) but no multiple attack in Ars/Verdistis/poor quarters etc. Merchants still sold their stuff. Did this in 1.0034 version.
Kiya
I only tested this, ok? It's not my game approach normally, just curiosity.
