3 young boys found stabbed to death in South Los Angeles

SOUTH LOS ANGELES -- Three boys between the ages of 8 and 12 years old were found stabbed to death in a car near a school in South Los Angeles on Wednesday.

According to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, the boys were found in the back seat of an SUV. A man was found in the front seat suffering from stab wounds to his chest.

That man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Beck said investigators believe the man is the boys' father.

Detectives determined that all three boys were killed as a result of multiple stab wounds, Beck said, adding that a knife was recovered at the scene.

The chief also said there is a probable suspect in custody and that surrounding residents do not need to be on alert.

"At this point, detectives have developed evidence which leads them to believe that we have the suspect in custody," Beck said. "I cannot give detailed information about the evidence that leads us to this belief, but I can tell you that it is strong and I have great faith in the detectives that are handling this case."

Beck did not elaborate on the identity of the suspect.

Police received a report of an assault with a deadly weapon around 7:15 a.m. from the 300 block of East 32nd Street, near Dolores Huerta Elementary School.

When police arrived, they found two victims dead. Shortly afterward, police said that a third victim had also died.

The victims' identities have not been released.

Beck said the deceased children did not attend Dolores Huerta Elementary School, but he did say they were students in the Los Angeles Unified School District system.

The car the boys were found in was registered to a home in the 4200 block of Woodlawn Avenue. A woman believed to be the kids' stepmother was said to be answering questions at the police station.

A prayer vigil for the young victims was expected to take place Wednesday night.