Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man shooting 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 cars struck his family’s car, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our group as a complete,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist each other by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that last a lifetime together with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was simply sick to my abdomen." 

It wasn't instantly clear whether Montgomery, who is being held at the Florence County Detention Center, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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