Boy, 8, on trip 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 person taking pictures randomly at passing automobiles struck his household’s car, authorities stated Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the release said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless 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 stated.

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

In an announcement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, based on NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our group as a complete,” he said. “Our hearts are with the family as we support each other via this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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