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

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

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

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 a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, in response to NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we help each other via this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that final a lifetime with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was just sick to my stomach." 

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

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