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 person capturing randomly at passing cars struck his household’s car, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the shooting Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace stated.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the release mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, was arrested on suspicion of homicide, tried murder and other crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that final a lifetime together with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be simply sick to my stomach." 

It wasn't immediately clear whether or not 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.