Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man taking pictures at random vehicles, officials say

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man taking pictures randomly at passing automobiles struck his household’s automobile, authorities stated Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office said.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck within the leg, the release mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, was arrested on suspicion of homicide, attempted murder and different crimes, the sheriff's workplace said.

“Investigators allege that Allen fired multiple random rounds at passing automobiles,” the office mentioned. No motive has been decided.

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, in response to NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support each other by this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make recollections that last a lifetime along with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was simply sick to my abdomen." 

It wasn't instantly clear whether or not Montgomery, who is being held on the Florence County Detention Heart, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC Information Digital.