Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random cars, officials say

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated.

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

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in line 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 this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern instructed the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that last a lifetime along with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be simply 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 information reporter for NBC Information Digital.