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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person capturing randomly at passing cars struck his household’s automobile, 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 automotive, was struck in the leg, the discharge said. 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 homicide, attempted murder and different crimes, the sheriff's workplace stated.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina on the time of the capturing, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our group as a whole,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the household as we support one another by this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern instructed the station: "You go on trip to make memories that final a lifetime together with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be 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 talk on his behalf.

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