Three young boys found fatally stabbed in South L.A.

Josefina Barrales, with her back to the camera, hugs neighbor Cisela Sanchez before leaving for her stepsons’ wake. Family members and friends say Luis Fuentes, who has been charged with the boys’ murder, was a loving father.

Family members and friends prayed around the altar in Josefina Barrales’ backyard in the days after the boys’ bodies were found.

A photo of Luis Fuentes with his sons Luis, Juan and Alexander hangs in the family’s home in South L.A.

Luis, Alexander and Juan Fuentes’ backpacks are lined up on the bunk beds they slept in.

A poster board with pictures of the brothers was placed on the sidewalk near the crime scene. Family members hinted that their father may have been having financial difficulties.

People gathered at the crime scene Wednesday night and placed flowers, candles and food including Cheez-Its and Doritos — the children’s favorite snacks — on the sidewalk.

Family members mourn for the three young brothers.

An investigation is underway in South L.A. after the bodies of three children were found dead in a car.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck walks to a news conference after being briefed on the slayings of three young children on 32nd Street in South Los Angeles.

Local residents watch the police activity where three children were found dead in the back of a silver SUV.

LAPD investigators look at the scene where three children have been found dead in the back of a silver SUV on 32nd Street in South Los Angeles.

LAPD investigators closed 32nd Street between Maple Avenue and Main Street while they processed the crime scene.