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

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the release stated. 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 workplace stated.

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

In an announcement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a complete,” he said. “Our hearts are with the family as we help one another via this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that last a lifetime with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was just sick to my abdomen." 

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

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