Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man taking pictures 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 vehicles struck his family’s vehicle, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck in the leg, the release 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 other crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our neighborhood as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the household as we help each other by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences 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 or not 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 Information Digital.