Jacqueline Nieves, Daughters Isabella, Gabriella, Found Dead In Burning Louisiana Apartment

Authorities responding to a fire inside a Louisiana apartment complex made a gruesome discovery on Sunday -- a mother and her two daughters stabbed to death within the burning building.

"It appeared that the fire had been intentionally set, and that the three victims had been, perhaps, killed by at least one stab wound on each of the bodies," said Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre, according to CBS.

Police identified victims as 29-year-old Jacqueline Gautreaux Nieves, 20-month-old Isabella and 6-year-old Gabriella Nieves, WWLTV reports.

Authorities say that the children's father, 32-year-old Carlos Nieves, Jr., first reported the fire. He is now being held for questioning.

"This is a potentially complex homicide, which could ultimately result in someone being charged with a capital offense. So, our goal is to be very precise and methodical, and not rush to judgment," Webre added, according to CBS.

It is unclear if additional suspects are involved in the case, according to WVUE.

This is the first homicide to take place in Lockport in over 40 years, according to KLFY.