Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random automobiles, 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 family’s car, authorities said 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 Workplace mentioned.

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

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing automobiles,” the office stated. No motive has been determined.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing along with his household in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a complete,” he mentioned. “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 with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I used to be just sick to my stomach." 

It wasn't immediately clear whether or not Montgomery, who's being held on the Florence County Detention Center, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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