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 cars struck his family’s vehicle, authorities stated Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck in the leg, the discharge mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced lifeless at a neighborhood 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 a number of random rounds at passing automobiles,” the office mentioned. No motive has been determined.

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our community as an entire,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist one another by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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