Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random vehicles, officers say

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

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

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

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

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

In an announcement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a complete,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support one another by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

It wasn't instantly clear whether or not 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.