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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man shooting randomly at passing vehicles struck his family’s automobile, authorities said Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the shooting Saturday near Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office mentioned.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the discharge stated. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired multiple random rounds at passing autos,” the workplace said. No motive has been determined.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, according to NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our neighborhood as a complete,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the household as we help one another by this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that last a lifetime together with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was just sick to my stomach." 

It wasn't immediately clear whether Montgomery, who's being held at the Florence County Detention Heart, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

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