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

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

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

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

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing autos,” the workplace stated. No motive has been decided.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in response to NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our neighborhood as a whole,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we help one another by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

It wasn't immediately clear whether Montgomery, who is 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.